After the Whistle: Indian River’s Jayvion Chandler

DAGSBORO, Del. – “I started playing pop warner when I was 5. My dad had signed me up and he became one of the coaches, so I just fell in love with it then.” After watching his cousin Ben Tate play in the NFL, Indian River’s Jayvion Chandler knew that he wanted to be a running back. “Just seeing him when I was growing up made me want to play running back and follow in his footsteps,” Chandler said

Chandler played key role on offense in his team’s run to a 1A state title, the program’s first since 2011. In his senior season, chandler rushed for over 1100 with 23 total touchdowns, earning 1st-team all-state honors. “It was a big jump from being a role player to becoming a leader on the team, and showing the younger guys what to do. I definitely became more mature.”

With under two minutes to play and his team trailing by four in that championship game, Chandler made the play on 4th & 11 that fans will be talking about for years to come, receiving the pitch on a hook and ladder play and  for a touchdown

“We practice that every day at the end of practice. During the play it was slow motion, I’m thinking I’m just gonna get the first down as the dude is running up to me, but I made a move on him and just knew I had to take it to the crib”

As he considers where to take his talents at the next level, Chandler remains grateful for the time he’s had with his team: “It still feels surreal that we did that. And just as a team I feel like we’re a genuine brotherhood. We always picked each other up”