Mizzou football got a major commitment last week as Nevada, MO center Talan Chandler announced his intentions to play for the home-state Tigers. Chandler was previously committed to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes but the allure of playing in the SEC proved to be the deciding factor.
Talan Chandler Mizzou commitment with Starcade Media
We recently had the pleasure of catching up with the 6’3, 290 lb Chandler and the 3-star lineman talked about his recent flip from Colorado to Missouri.
Starcade Media: Talk about the flip. You’re originally committed to Colorado, ultimately why did you make the decision to commit to Missouri this late in the process?
Chandler: The biggest reason was going to Mizzou was best for me and my future. I had always wanted to play at Mizzou and in the SEC. Playing close to home is an unbelievable opportunity. My family would be able to come watch me every game. Mizzou is also up and coming.
Starcade: Has Missouri’s surprising season on the field played a major role in your commitment?
Chandler: Mizzou is having an absolutely great season you can definitely say that it has played a role. To be able to see how much they have developed their players really stands out. The OL has improved so much over the last year alone.
Starcade: Talk about your relationship with coach drinkwitz and the Mizzou coaching staff, how important was that relationship in your decision?
Chandler: Drink and I have a great relationship, he’ll text me every now and again, and he is very open about how important I am to the future of the team. I also have a great relationship with Coach Jones the OL coach and Coach Boehm. They feel like family and are amazing people.
Starcade: There seems to be quite a bit of recruiting momentum taking place at Mizzou right now, do you plan on being out front helping recruit as well? There seems to be quite a bit of high-level talent even in small town Missouri right now.
Chandler: I definitely agree. Mizzou is on a roll right now and I want to help with that. If we can lock down the border of Missouri, that would be huge. I have already started reaching out and talking to my buddies and friends telling them what’s up.
Starcade: Talk about your strengths as a player, what do you feel like you bring to the table as an SEC caliber lineman?
Chandler: I feel like my best strength is my technique and my IQ. I’m considered an undersized OL, but I make up for that with my technique. You can move a person with technique alone. Having good technique allows you to build other facets of your game like strength and speed. I also feel like I’m nasty and I love to finish blocks.
Starcade: How exciting has it been to see Mizzou Making Waves this season in the sec? Is playing in the SEC something that is important to you as far as potentially getting to the next level?
Chandler: I love it. Seeing Mizzou back at the top of the SEC and it is good for football. Mizzou is a competitive school and Missouri has great athletes, and it’s awesome to see them shining. Also playing in the SEC is an unbelievable opportunity, that’s the best of the best.
