May 31, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State head football coach Denver Johnson added some depth to both the defensive line and wide receiver positions in the form of a pair of University of Pittsburgh transfers, as Kelvin Chandler and Nick Williams were supplemented to the Redbird roster.
Both Chandler and Williams will have two years of eligibility remaining after playing two seasons at Pittsburgh, and are currently attending summer classes at Illinois State.
Chandler is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound wide receiver from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who also spent some time as a defensive back with the Panthers. He played in nine games as a true freshman, but was redshirted in 2005 and did not see any game action in 2006. During his freshman season, Chandler had four catches for 47 yards, including a season-high two receptions for 31 yards against Nebraska.
"Kelvin is a tall, rangy, gifted athlete," Johnson said. "He started at Pittsburgh as a wide receiver and was moved to the secondary, but really wanted to play receiver and I think that's what brought him to us. We are happy to have him and anxious to get him into the fold, so we can start polishing his skills to fit into our system."
At Dillard High School, Chandler was an All-Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) selection as a senior, while posting 14 catches for 257 yards in a run-oriented offense. He was selected to play in the prestigious Broward-Dade County All-Star Game and the CaliFlorida Bowl (California versus Florida all-star game). Chandler was also a prep track and field standout, earning All-Broward County honors in both the high jump and triple jump.
Williams was a prep rival of Chandler's, hailing from Plantation, Fla., and playing at Plantation High School. At 6-foot-2, 275-pounds, Williams easily looks the part of a defensive tackle. After a redshirt campaign, Williams played in eight games during the 2005 season. He finished the year with eight total tackles, including four against West Virginia, and one sack. He also didn't see any significant action last season.
"Quality defensive linemen are hard to come by and Nick has the height, weight and speed that we are looking for," Johnson said. "He's a guy who brings the measurable things, but he also bring the immeasurables too. He is a competitive young man who will fit and blend well with our defensive squad."
At Plantation High School, Williams was a first team all-district selection, despite an injury-shortened senior season. He sustained a concussion in the sixth game of the year and missed the final six games of the season. In six games, he compiled 60 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions, while playing linebacker. A member of the SuperPrep All-Dixie Team, Williams was rated one of the top-80 prospects in Florida by SuperPrep. Like Chandler, Williams also earned an invitation to play in the Broward-Dade County All-Star Game.
