La Salle DB John-Patrick Oates latest Philly recruit to pledge to Temple

Tagged under: District 12, News, Recruiting

Billy Splain | June 18, 2025

The Temple football program has been kinda silent in the Philly recruiting scene. Not any more. La Salle TE John-Patrick Oates joins a host of Philly kids who have pledged to play for the Owls. Oates passed up offers from the likes of Howard, ODU, Eastern Michigan, Georgetown, Towson, Morgan St, Richmond and Monmouth to play in his home city.

Head Coach Brett Gordon says “He was kind of a tweener for P4/P5 so this is a good fit for him. He really liked it when he visited. His parents also liked what they saw. He’s a kid who played outside receiver before I got there. Has a bigger body so we moved him to TE and he accepted and played well there. He provides a lot of versatility. Runs really well, like a 4.6. Close to 50 catches. Really good kid, works hard”.

We caught up with him to ask him about his decision:

PFN: Why did you choose to commit to Temple before your Sr season?

I chose to commit in order to focus my full attention on my last season and to obtain a spot on Temple’s competitive roster.

PFN: Who was your biggest influence there, who recruited you?

Coach Chris Zarkoskie was my biggest influence. He has a vision for the role that I’ll play for the Temple football program.

PFN: What are they getting in player like you?

They’re getting a gifted, disciplined athlete that can make big plays and contribute to the offense in a major way.

PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you?

I was blessed that Temple University was one of ten D1 programs that made me an offer. I determined that Temple really did their homework and understood clearly how I could contribute to their program.

PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Business with a concentration in finance and entrepreneurship.

PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision?

My parents played a big role in helping me to weed out some of the less competitive programs while focusing on the programs that were interested in my skills and the role that I could play in their organization.

PFN: What do you think is the most exciting thing about the program?

I’m excited about Coach Keeler’s vision for the program.

PFN: What are you most looking forward to while playing for them?

I’m looking good forward to being developed as a major contributor to the Temple offense and an exceptional student and leader on campus.

PFN: Tell everyone out there in the football world something they’d never know about you until you told them:

I’m a very humble person.

PFN: Who is the person who most influenced you in your football career?

My grandfather, Johnny Sample who played in Super Bowl 3 for the New York Jets.

Why do you play football?

I enjoy the game a great deal. I love competing and pushing myself to excel athletically.

What would you do to improve the recruiting process?

I would encourage coaches to be more transparent during the process.

PFN: What is it you’d like all your high school teammates and fans to know about your decision that you might have a hard time saying in person?

I am so grateful to my teammates and fans for their support and encouragement. They encourage me to be a better player and a better person.

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