Temple lands first 2013 commit
Temple snagged their first commitment for the 2013 class earlier this afternoon. The lineman made his pick for the Owls over a pair of other scholarships.
"I committed to the coaches about ten minutes ago," Moorestown, N.J. offensive tackle Shane Rafter said. "The coaches were very excited at Temple. I was equally excited.
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"They just said they were very happy to have me and really excited to get me over to camp and work with me."
Rafter touched on why he decided for the Owls.
"I love the coaching staff," he said. "I love that Temple is going into the Big East Conference and they have new facilities and a nice weight room. I can't wait to play there.
"I've gotten a good chance to know Coach Frye, the offensive line coach and I call him every week, we have formed a really good relationship."
Rafter last visited Temple approximately a month ago, but what made him decide now?
"I got a really good chance to talk to all the coaches then and I really liked them," he said. "They were very interested and I had a great time, a great experience."
Of course, being close to home was an advantage.
"I think having Temple being located in Philadelphia, it's a great atmosphere for football. It was definitely a plus for me to be close to home."
Regarding playing time, Rafter believes he's got a chance to earn some early.
"Coach Addazio told me I made a really good decision and I'll have a very good chance to start early in my playing career at Temple."
Rafter is still mulling it, but mentioned the possibility of enrolling early.