Interview: 4-Star 2021 Georgia OLB Chaz Chambliss is a Beast for Carrollton
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
I don’t care how good the offensive lineman was, no Georgia 5A high school tackle wanted to square off against Chaz Chambliss last season. The 6-3, 239-pound, defensive end/outside linebacker was a relentless force off the edge for Carrollton High School during his sophomore season, and the best is yet to come for the four-star recruit.
The fear in the eyes of offensive tackles is real and for good reason. Chambliss put his name on the recruiting map as a freshman coming up with 97 total stops with 25.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Even with the attention of opposing offensive coordinators trying to scheme against him, Chambliss made lunch meat of the unfortunate ones in the backfield holding onto the pigskin. When 2018 was over, 67 players had been dropped in total, 22.5 for a loss, 4.5 on the quarterback, and six times quarterbacks felt the heat getting rid of it before impact.
It is hard to find a collegiate defensive coordinator who does not like Chambliss’ play and next level potential. The Trojans standout defender already has 30 offers to choose from with another big season on the field ahead.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top defenders in the state of Georgia to learn more about his game, recruiting process, and offseason workouts.
Interview
Chaz, given all your time in on the field bringing pressure off the edge, how many good quarterback-tackle relationships have you ended?
(Laughs) “I am not sure. I don’t pay attention to their conversations. I just do my job.”
Are you hearing quarterbacks yell at their tackles because of you?
(Chuckles) “Yes sir.”
You bring that relentless pressure off the edge with a mix of speed and hand-fighting. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a pass rusher?
“Being able to convert from finesse to power. I can make moves to get into the backfield and get pressure on the quarterback. I help my team bringing pressure. It makes everyone better putting pressure on the quarterback.”
While your ability to get into the backfield may dominate most conversations about your game, what are some of the other strengths to your game?
“This year, we are going more against passing teams. I will be doing more things on the field; I got an interception in our scrimmage. I can be in open-field covering now, not just a gap filler and pass rusher.”
What did you work on this offseason to prepare for your junior season?
“I worked on my techniques, having better hips for coverage, and reading gap coverages off film.”
After that scrimmage against Bremen, where are you seeing the biggest improvements with the work you have put into your game?
“We changed to a 3-3 stack. Last year I was not great at reading guards. This year, I have gotten better at reading the gaps and my keys.”
I know you have a world of offers already. How many do you have now?
“I have 30 offers.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“Michigan State, Purdue, and North Carolina.”
Chambliss’ Offer Sheet: Alabama, Central Florida, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Purdue, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Western Carolina, and Wisconsin
Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“I was not able to take many visits due to family matters. I will make up for that during the season going to games and in the coming offseason. I went to Mississippi State, LSU – to move in my sister but that was during the dead period, and I went to Florida.”
How did the visit to Florida go?
“It went well. It was short, we had a long car ride back. I talked to Coach (Christian) Robinson (LB) during the visit.”
And the Mississippi State trip, how did that turn out?
“It was a pretty good visit. I saw how their linebacker coach, Coach (Chris) Marve teaches; he is energetic. I talked to Coach (Joe) Moorhead (head coach) again during the visit.”
Are there any planned visits coming this fall?
“I am not sure. I am going to Alabama verses Duke on Saturday. I want to go to a couple other schools, but it depends on our schedule. If we have a late night or not.”
There are a lot of big games on the schedule this year, which games or matchups are you most excited for this season?
“I am excited to play Rome; they beat us the last three years. We are coming into that game to prove ourselves against them. We are focused for making the playoffs, advancing, and winning state.”
What personal goals have you set for the season?
“I want to make those around me look better with my play on the field. I want to do the best that I can. I want to get 10-plus sacks and be more dominating than in past seasons.”
Chaz, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Trojans success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: dawgpost.com; No. 32 Chaz Chambliss
Photo credit: twitter.com; Chaz Chambliss