Canadian Football Prospect Commits to Temple Owls

Football training session with a focus on athleticism.

News Summary

Zander Baptiste, a prominent Canadian football player from the Class of 2025, has committed to the Temple Owls as a defensive back. After receiving his first Division I scholarship offer during an official visit, Baptiste’s decision marks a significant step in his athletic career. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 185 pounds, he showcased his skills both offensively and defensively during his time at Asheville School, where he contributed to his team’s success in winning a state championship. His transition to Temple highlights the program’s outreach to Canadian talent.

Asheville, N.C. – On Saturday, Zander Baptiste, a promising Canadian football prospect, publicly committed to the Temple Owls, where he will play as a defensive back. Baptiste, who is part of the Class of 2025, made his commitment known via a text message to OwlsDaily, marking a significant milestone in his young athletic career.

Baptiste’s decision comes shortly after he visited Temple’s North Broad Street campus during an official trip. It was during this visit that he received his first Division I scholarship offer from the Owls, which he announced to the public a couple of days prior to his commitment. The quick acceptance of the scholarship highlights his enthusiasm and readiness to become part of Temple’s football program.

The sizable 6-foot-4, 185-pound athlete displays impressive skills on both sides of the ball. In the recently concluded 2024 season, he earned a place on the All-Big Six Conference First Team, contributing significantly to the success of his team at the Asheville School. Baptiste was instrumental in leading the team to victory in the North Carolina Independent Schools Division II state championship. Offensively, he excelled as a receiver, making 20 catches for 348 yards and scoring seven touchdowns, while defensively, he tallied 25 tackles and recorded three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

Prior to his time at Asheville School, Baptiste played at The Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J., during the 2023 season. There, he made a mark with 542 receiving yards and six touchdowns, supplemented by two interceptions. His performance earned him a spot on the Second Team All-Mid-Atlantic Prep League for that year.

Baptiste’s football journey began in Quebec City, Canada, where he played under Canadian football rules before transitioning to the U.S. educational system. His athletic credentials further stand out with remarkable metrics including a 10.88-second time in the 100-meter dash and a 39-inch vertical leap. This athleticism undoubtedly contributed to his recruitment, particularly by Temple’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Brian L. Smith, who played a vital role in bringing Baptiste to the Owls’ program.

Despite being recruited as a cornerback during his high school tenure, Baptiste is expected to transition into the safety position at Temple, a move that showcases his versatility on the field. It is noteworthy that while he garnered other scholarship offers, including a Division II offer from Pace University, the commitment to Temple represents a significant step up as he embarks on his collegiate football career.

Previously, Baptiste had drawn the attention of the former Temple coaching staff when they recruited him in the spring of the prior year. Since then, Temple has signed three defensive backs from the transfer portal in the spring while seeking additional talent to bolster their roster. Baptiste’s commitment adds depth to their defensive lineup and reflects the program’s ongoing efforts to enhance its potential heading into future seasons.

Zander Baptiste’s commitment to Temple signifies not only a personal achievement but also the continued expansion of the Temple football program’s reach into untapped talent pools, particularly from Canada, showcasing the university’s commitment to building a competitive team.