Wisconsin received Devin Chandler’s national letter of intent as part of the early signing period on Wednesday.
With the early signing period for high school football players beginning on December 18, Badgers Insider takes a closer look at the recruits that signed with the Wisconsin football program.
In this edition, we examine Hough (Charlotte, N.C.) High School wide receiver Devin Chandler.
Note: All notes and stats provided by uwbadgers.com
Chandler chose Wisconsin over other offers from: Akron, Duke, Illinois, Kent State, Maryland, North Carolina State, and Virginia
Chandler’s High School Accolades: Three–star recruit by 247 Sports…First–team all–conference as a senior in 2019
Chandler’s Impact as a Badger: It appeared Wisconsin was set at signing just two wide receivers during the early signing period in Chimere Dike and Isaac Smith but at the same time there are certain players that the Wisconsin coaching staff can’t turn away.
Chandler falls under that category.
Chandler may not be highly rated by the recruiting services as he’s rated as a two-star prospect by Rivals and three-stars by 247 Sports. However, Wisconsin isn’t concerned with recruiting rankings as they trust their evaluations of each prospect they pursue.
Wide receiver coach Ted Gilmore is one of the better evaluators of talents as he has been able to identify some other under the radar talent at the wide receiver position and has successfully brought them to Wisconsin.
Chandler could be next in line as he continues to add to the size of Wisconsin’s wide receivers as he’s listed at 6’1″ and 175 pounds. Chandler finished his senior season with 50 receptions for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Chandler like all of the other wide receivers that signed with Wisconsin on Wednesday does a great job of going up and getting the football at its highest point. Chandler has strong hands and due to his ability to catch the football at its highest point allows for him to catch the football naturally with his hands.
Chandler was able to outrun opposing defensive backs to help create separation as he was able to utilize his speed. Chandler has been able to develop a solid double move as well to help create that separation.
Due to Chandler’s physical tools, he’ll need to continue to develop ways of getting off the line of scrimmage in order to become a threat for Wisconsin in the passing game. Chandler on his film shows he’s capable of stretching the field and also being able to have success in the intermediate passing game as well.
Chandler could still be a year away from contributing but because of what Wisconsin is set to lose at the wide receiver position following the 2020 season there will definitely be an opportunity for Chandler to see the field.
In order to do so, Chandler will need to maximize his redshirt year in order to meet the demands that Gilmore has of his wide receivers in order to see the field, which is being able to create separation, being a reliable receiver, and also be a willing blocker in the run game. If he can meet Gilmore’s demands he’ll give himself a good chance of making an impact early on in his career.
