Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri senior tailback Tony Temple (Kansas City, Mo.) has decided to forego his last-chance appeal with the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility, and will turn his attention to getting ready for the 2008 NFL Draft.
"It's time to move on and focus on doing what I need to do to make a positive impression for the next level," said Temple. "I feel good about looking into the extra year. It was worth a shot, but I don't want anyone spending any more time on it, and I feel I'm ready to take the next step. Coach Pinkel and I decided before last season that we should approach the 2007 season like it was going to be my last, and I'm glad we did it that way," he said.
Temple, who ended his career with a record-setting 281-yard, four-touchdown performance in leading Mizzou to a 38-7 dismantling of 25th-ranked Arkansas in the 2008 Cotton Bowl, rushed for 1,039 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games this season. After a 1,063-yard campaign in 2006, Temple became the first Tiger running back to ever post multiple 1,000-yard seasons (former quarterback Brad Smith had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2002-05). Temple ends his career with 2,552 rushing yards, which ranks him sixth alltime at Mizzou.
"I'd like to say thank-you to everyone at Mizzou who has helped me over the years, I'm so grateful for everything they've done to help me grow on the field and off the field," Temple said. "I'm looking forward to finishing up my degree soon and to working hard for whatever opportunities come next for me football-wise. Whatever comes my way, I know that Mizzou has trained me well," he said.
Head Coach Gary Pinkel echoed those sentiments that Temple is ready for his next move. "I think this is the right decision for Tony, if he is going to get ready for the NFL then it's time," Pinkel said. "This way, he can focus on his degree and doing whatever it takes to get ready for a professional career, and we'll certainly do everything we can to assist," he said.
Tiger fans are invited to meet Temple this Friday, February 1st at the 810 Sports Zone on the Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., as Kansas City Fifth District Councilman Terry Riley will be on hand to present a proclamation in Temple's honor. Friends of Temple's will be holding a gathering in his honor there, and fans are welcome to come out for autographs and photos. The event will begin around 7 p.m.
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