Interview: 3-Star Mississippi Skill Talent Chandler Pittman Ready to March Magee to Title Game
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Chandler Pittman is that guy who can break the proverbial back of any team in any number of ways using his speed, athleticism, and football savvy. The 5-10, 165-pound, Class of 2021 standout earned All-State, All-Conference, and District Offensive MVP honors a year ago as a dual-threat passing for 3,012 yards with 26 touchdowns while rushing for 1,354 with 19 more scores going up on the board. The 4.36 clocked time in the 40-yard dash will also be on display in Magee’s secondary this season with Pittman. Taking on a starting role at corner will give college programs another opportunity to see all the versatility the three-star recruit brings to the gridiron.
Coming off a 10-4 season, the Trojans are deep, talented, and have key seniors at all the right positions making them the No. 1 ranked 3A squad in Mississippi per MaxPreps. Listening to Pittman talk, the Trojans have all the weapons needed to bring home a trophy this year.
With 15 offers on the table and Game 1 of the 2020 season set to kickoff on Sept. 4 at home against Collins, Pittman sat down for an RNG catch-up interview giving us insight on how the Trojans are looking in fall camp with an update on his recruiting options.
*Click link for March 17 RNG interview with Chandler Pittman
Interview
Chandler, when we last spoke you broke down all the different things you were doing to fine-tune your game as a quarterback. If you will, catch us up. Which areas of your game have you focused on over the spring and summer months?
More from a passing aspect. I have always been a runner, I ran for 1,300 yards as a freshman. But I have worked to become a better passer. I have been working on my footwork and getting my rhythm as a passer. We’ve been held back with the virus, but I keep working on my throwing mechanics, and all of it, to become a better quarterback.
With all that you are working on, where are you seeing the improvements in your technique?
In all aspects. I have spent a lot of time on the field with my guys, the chemistry is there. I have two senior receivers. Our chemistry is there. We had our jamboree, we went up 33-0 in one half. We have it coming together for the season.
What style of offense will you be executing this season?
Spread.
How have you expanded upon your knowledge of the game as a quarterback?
When our new offensive coordinator came in, we met a lot during the summer reading coverages and going over film on the teams we have this year. We’ve been preparing for anything and everything.
You got some snaps in on defense a year ago, are you getting any time in on that side of the ball in 2020?
Yes, sir. I am starting at corner this year.
Are you excited about that opportunity?
Yes, sir. For sure. I made the first tackle in our jamboree, and it was for a loss.
A minute ago you touched on this, but going deeper. Over the summer months, how have you continued to work with your skill guys to build that bond and chemistry needed to be successful once the lights turn on come Friday night?
A lot of late nights and early morning. With the virus, we were not able to work in groups. Our starters, our leaders, we did a lot of reps and one-on-ones to push each other. That is how we get better and that is how we see where we are improving. Doing one-on-ones is big for us. It brings the dog out in everyone.
I don’t know how you could get any faster or improve upon a 4.36 time in the 40, but just in case, what have you been doing to improve upon and/or to maintain that blazing speed?
This summer I have been working with an Ole Miss alum. We worked a lot together on my speed, route running, and everything.
How has fall camp for the Trojans gone?
It is going well. We had about 20 freshmen come out this year; we have great depth this year. Being a senior, it is surreal. I can remember being a ninth-grader being named a starter. Our depth is major for us this season.
How is the team looking?
We are looking good. We have two receivers who are holding offers, Xavier Franks and Cayden Bridges. One is a UCF commit; he had a touchdown in our jamboree. Bridges has a lot of offers. Those guys are going to play a huge role in our success this year, and they make my job easier. Two receivers at 6-2 and 6-3 both 200-pound guys, that is a plus.
Have you begun preparations for the Week 1 game against Collins?
Yes, sir. We will start preparing this week. We will start watching film on them on Monday.
From what you know now, what are you expecting from the Tigers’ defense?
I am expecting them to be very-very fast and swarm to the ball. A lot rides on our receivers doing well and our offensive line giving us time. I believe we will make plays and come out victorious.
Before we wrap, let’s get into some recruiting. Which schools are showing interest before the first game of the season?
Louisville, they are heavy-heavy with interest.
How many offers are in-hand now?
Fifteen.
Pittman’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas State, Army, Florida International, Florida State, Jackson State, Indiana, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Ole Miss, Navy, Samford, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Tulane
Have you taken any virtual visits this summer?
Yes, sir. I have taken virtual visits with Tulane, Army, Navy, and I have done 20-plus Zoom calls with different schools.
If visits were allowed this weekend, are there any campuses you’d like to visit?
Yes. I want to get to Louisville and UCF. Army and Navy have beautiful campuses, I’d like to see both of their campuses in-person.
Because you are so athletic and can do just about anything possible at the skill position, at which position are most of the schools recruiting you to play?
Most are recruiting me as an offensive weapon at receiver. Florida State has offered me as a defensive back.
The team is looking good, you have talent at the receiver position and depth, what kind of year can the Trojans’ fanbase expect?
We have a big year coming up, stay tuned. We are going for a state championship this year. We have big things coming and we will put up big numbers.
Chandler, thanks for your time today. Wishing you guys the best of luck throughout the season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Pittman family; Chandler Pittman