Oct. 12, 2008
GoRedbirds.com sat down with senior wide receiver Kelvin Chandler and asked him to give Redbird Athletics fans an inside look into his life in the new feature series Through the Eyes Of .... The series will give an insider's perspective into the lives of many Redbird student-athletes throughout the coming months.
GoRedbirds.com: Prior to last season, you transferred from the University of Pittsburgh. What made you decide to transfer to Illinois State?
Kelvin Chandler: I really liked the coaching staff and the winning attitude here at Illinois State, so the decision seemed pretty easy for me.
GR: In high school, you where a state-champion in the 4X400-meter relay in track and field. Describe how you felt when you and your teammates finished first.
KC: It was a tremendous feeling. I ran the anchor leg, and it was just an awesome experience to share with my teammates.
GR: How has your speed and endurance from track and field helped you on the football field?
KC: I condition all-year, and being that I ran track, I turn it over to the football game and use my speed to help me make big plays at wide receiver.
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GR: Being so successful in track and field, what made you want to play football in college over participating in track & field at the collegiate level?
KC: I knew I was a good athlete because my coaches pushed me and thought I could be a great football player, so I took the advice and ran with it.
GR: Do you or any of your teammates have any unusual superstitions or rituals before each game?
KC: Not really; we just rub the Redbird head before each home game.
GR: If you had to choose one wide receiver from the NFL that you say you try to pattern your playing style after, who would it be and why?
KC: Marvin Harrison (wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts) because he is a precise route runner and has excellent hands.
GR: What are your plans after graduation?
KC: I'm going to try and make it to the NFL and if that doesn't work out, I will pursue a career in business.
GR: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
KC: Just chilling around my house and lounging.
GR: What has been your favorite moment as a Redbird?
KC: My first touchdown against Drake (in 2007). It was an 8-yard fade, and I just went up and caught the ball in the end zone.
GR: You wear number 80. Is there any significance behind it or is it just another number to you?
KC: Jerry Rice. He was the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game.
GR: What's one interesting thing about you that Redbird Nation doesn't know?
KC: It's going to be a big season.
