Temple coach Matt Rhule knows what priority No. 1 is headed into spring practice next week -- find a starting quarterback.

He has five players in the mix, but Rhule said in a recent phone interview with ESPN.com that Chris Coyer and Juice Granger will get first shot with the first team.

"Chris and Juice are the top two going in, and they’ll rep with the first team and then everyone else will get their opportunities with the second team until they prove otherwise," Rhule said. "Those guys coming in, based off the offseason and what they’ve done in the past, will get first crack at running with the starters."

Coyer began last season as the starter before giving way to Granger in the final two games as then-coach Steve Addazio tried to look for a spark to get his offense going. Both players are going into their senior seasons.

One other player to watch is Penn State transfer Kevin Newsome, who has asked to remain at quarterback to prove himself to the new coaching staff.

"He wants an opportunity to show what he can do at quarterback, so I’m going to start him there, and if he’s the best player, he’ll play," Rhule said. "I’ve assured him of that. How we go into spring is based off the offseason and their effort and performance in the offseason, and that would put Chris and Juice with the first group."

Temple opens spring practice March 22.