Temple hires new running backs coach with hopes of reviving rushing attack

Temple football coach Stan Drayton announced Monday morning that he has hired a new running backs coach.

Sam Dorsett, who coached running backs at Monmouth for the last 10 years, will join Drayton’s staff.

“I have a special affinity for that position, and I’m very happy that unit will be in great hands.” Drayton said in a statement. “Sam knows the position and has a proven track record for getting the best out of his players on a daily basis.”

At Monmouth, Dorsett coached four running backs to All-Big South Conference honors: Lavon Chaney, Juwon Farri, Pete Guerriero, and Jaden Shirden. Two of his Monmouth running backs led the FCS in rushing yards. Guerriero gained 1,995 yards in 2019, and Shirden went for 1,722 yards in 2022.

Dorsett’s history of developing FCS standouts is important for a position group that struggled last season. Temple averaged only 3.1 yards per rushing attempt in 2022, which ranked last in the American Athletic Conference.

Last month, OwlScoop.com reported that former running backs coach Preston Brown would not return in 2023. The Owls also signed running backs Joquez Smith and Kyle Williams in December and added another, Eric Wilson Jr. (Florida International) in the transfer portal. Additionally, running backs Edward Saydee and Darvon Hubbard could return to the rotation.

Heading into Drayton’s second year, Dorsett will be responsible for the development of these running backs.

“I want to thank Coach Drayton for the opportunity to join the Temple football program,” Dorsett said on Monday. “I’m excited about what the future holds. I know we have a great group of guys already in the room and three more coming in. I’m just excited about getting started with these young men.”