Temple To Big East In 2012, Football Recruits Have Been Told

Read More: Temple Owls, Villanova Wildcats

The college football world has been so focused on the Villanova Wildcats joining the Big East Conference for football when maybe we should have been talking about the Temple Owls all along.

The Temple Owls are certainly talking about it. Seems like every player who commits to play for the Owls these days is doing so under the pretense that Temple will be returning to the Big East very soon.

First, there's LB Michael Kalaman:

"I am really excited about being coached under new head coach Steve Addazio, as well as the other coaches he brought along," Kalaman said of the former Florida offensive coordinator. "Temple will hopefully be moving back to the Big East by the time I get there in 2012. I believe they are on the verge of excellent things with their football program."

Then there's TE Jameson McShea:

"I'm more of a receiver, but I have the body to block. They told me they're going to use two tight ends and Coach Addazio, from his history at Florida, I know he'll be passing the ball a lot. The program is probably going to be in the Big East and I know he's gonna get the job done there."

And then there's TE Tanner Kearns:

"I got to meet their coach and like him. I know they play in Eagle Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) and plan on moving to the Big East soon."

And finally, DB Tavon Young:

"Tavon has committed to Temple," said Mr. Young. "First and foremost is the academics and they pass with flying colors. He has always loved the staff that came up from Florida. He likes the defensive scheme. It is close to home and he will be a part of the Big East in 2012."

Alright, what in the name of Bill Cosby is going on here? Temple is predictably denying that they've told recruits any of this and the Big East will remain mum until the time is right.

I wouldn't put too much stock in this, but, I mean, four different recruits are talking about this like it's common knowledge. So either Steve Addazio is a stone-cold liar or...maybe, just maybe there's something to it.

Temple DOES bring something to the table that Villanova doesn't...a giant stadium. They're also doing quite well and don't resemble the Big East bottom-feeder they were in the 90's and early 00's.

So what does Villanova make of all this? They don't seem too surprised, especially considering they're telling their recruits the exact same thing Temple is.

Stacey Bedell, a 2012 tailback, told Scout.com after giving Nova his verbal commitment, that he chose the school because, "[t]he coaching staff was great with me while I was down there, they’re going into the Big East next year which is exciting and it’s a great academic school."

In other words, chances are this is more of a recruiting tactic than anything solid. Still, it's worth keeping an eye on as the Big East moves closer and closer to its decision on expansion...for now.

Since Temple is still a member of the MAC, keep an eye on the MAC blog Hustle Belt for updates. For updates on the Big East Conference, visit Big East Coast Bias.