CB Derrek Thomas and WR Marshall Ellick transferring from Temple

Cornerback Derrek Thomas is leaving Temple for a familiar coaching staff. Wide receiver Marshall Ellick is seeking more playing time a level down.

Both announced on social media Tuesday that they will transferring from Temple, the second and third players to do so within the last week. Backup quarterback Logan Marchi announced last week that he was transferring, with the intent to play at a Football Championship Subdivision school.

Both Thomas and Ellick have already earned their degrees and will be immediately eligible.

Thomas is headed to Baylor, where former Temple coach Matt Rhule is guiding the Bears after a difficult 1-11 inaugural season. Ellick will attend FCS Stony Brook, which went 10-3 and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs before losing to James Madison, 26-7. (At 14-0, James Madison will meet North Dakota State in Saturday's FCS championship).

"This wasn't something I was upset about at Temple," Thomas said in a phone interview on Tuesday. "It's a great opportunity for me not only playing in a bigger conference, but being with people I was successful with in the past."

Thomas began his career at Temple as a receiver and transitioned to defensive back after one season. Former Temple defensive backs coach Francis Brown is the assistant head coach (defensive backs) at Baylor.

"We have had a great relationship," Thomas said of Brown.

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Thomas was among the fastest players on the team, but he suffered through an injury-plagued junior season, appearing in just seven games for the 7-6 Owls. He had one interception and six tackles.

"It was tough year dealing with the injuries," he said.

Ellick (6-2, 195) appeared in 11 games and had 10 receptions for 93 yards and no touchdowns. He was part of the deepest position on Temple.

"I want to be able to see the field more," he said about a main reason for transferring, also in a phone interview.

Ellick can't wait to get started at Stony Brook.

"I am excited at how they are going to use me," Ellick said.

Both say they hope to play in the NFL and feel that moving on will help them in attaining this goal.