Out of Nashville, TN, Ty Chandler was a 4-star prospect after playing at Montgomery Bell Academy. Chandler was in the ESPN top 300 and a top 100 recruit in the nation. He burst onto the scene at Tennessee. As a freshman, he was 2nd on the team in carries while the Volunteers went 4-8. His sophomore year he was more productive on the ground (630 yards) and through the air (183) despite finishing 2nd on the team in carries again. As a junior, he captured the starting role, but lost it in 2020 forcing him to transfer. With Michael Carter and Javonte Williams in the NFL, he transferred to North Carolina.
At North Carolina in his 2nd senior year, he posted 1,092 rushing yards and 216 receiving yards. The important note is that Sam Howell, his quarterback, rushed for 828 yards which explains the lack of receiving work by the Tarheel running back corps.The Combine boosted his draft stock from UDFA to the 6th round. He’ll be a competent satellite back or special teams player. He’s a one cut and go type of runner, probably best in zone schemes.
Ty Chandler was selected in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. We’re not sure if he’s better than Alexander Mattison. If he beats out Mattison and Nwangwu, then he’s still only a backup to Dalvin Cook.
