PHILADELPHIA – Cory Robinson has had his fair share of stops at football programs around the country.
But when he walks into his defensive backs’ room at 10th and Diamond Street, it's hard for the first year defensive backs coach not to recognize what a talented group he has.
Artrel Foster, Sean Chandler and Delvon Randall are some of those guys in that talented group, to name a few.
The real question is though: "How do Robinson, coach Geoff Collins and defensive coordinator Taver Johnson plan on playing these guys?"
Robinson responded to that with a simple answer at Temple's ninth spring practice at Edberg Olson Hall.
"Our philosophy here is, if you're above the line, you play," Robinson said. "We have to get the best players on the field."
Robinson added this means that players could be shuffled around the defensive backfield.
Temple senior defensive back, Sean Chandler - photo by Zamani Feelings
Take Chandler, for example. Chandler played at cornerback during his first two seasons at Temple, but moved to start at safety his junior year.
Robinson said there is a chance Chandler could see time at cornerback again this season. He also added that all the guys have been getting reps at different positions like safety, cornerback and nickel, including Benny Walls.
"That's the way we train our guys, to play multiple positions, especially on the back-end," Robinson said. "Taver and I work completely together on developing these guys."
Transfer looks to compete for starting job
Cornerback Mike Jones, a graduate student transfer from North Carolina Central, joined the team on Jan. 30.
Last season, Jones racked up 30 tackles, two interceptions and five pass-breakups. In four seasons at North Carolina Central, he totaled 114 tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss and 11 interceptions. He also has skills in the return game. As a senior, he averaged 22.0-yards per return and two touchdowns.
Robinson said he's known Jones since he trained him in high school, and that helped in getting him to transfer to Temple.
"That helped us in the process, I think, the comfortability with me and the familiarity," Robinson said. "But also, coach Collins and the success that he's had with defensive backs, what kid wouldn't want to come play for an already established defense like Temple?"
At the University of Florida, Collins coached Vernon Hargreaves, who was selected 11th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft. In this upcoming draft in Philadelphia, former Florida cornerbacks, Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson are projected to be first or second round picks.
Temple Football held their 9th Spring Practice on Thursday, April 6 - photo by Zamani Feelings
Jones was also getting draft consideration by ESPN's Todd McShay as a guy to look out for in the later rounds, but he decided to use up the last year of his eligibility instead.
"He's going to fill a major role," Robinson said.
Keep an eye on Linwood Crump
Foster is still rehabbing from a knee injury he suffered against Cincinnati last season and hasn't been on the field during spring practices.
The positive side of this is that it has given the younger players on the depth chart an opportunity to show what they're worth. One of those players is sophomore Linwood Crump.
"He's really been a highlight this spring," Robinson said. "He's been a bright spot. He's got a bright future, I think he's stepping up.
"All the young guys they're competing. They're coming along, they're hungry, they're in their playbooks, they're watching extra film, they're spending extra time."