Syracuse Football: Get To Know Your Orange Man - #99 Chandler Jones

by Dan Lyons on May 9, 2011 5:51 PM EDT in Get To Know An Orange Man

Sean got this started two years ago, but this year the crack team of bloggers here at TNIAAM is going to take it all the way. Basically, every day we're going to be doing a run down of one Syracuse football player, all the way from #99 (Chandler Jones) to #1 (Phil Thomas).

Player: Chandler Jones

Number: #99

Position: Defensive End

Year: Senior (RS Junior eligibility)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 247

Hometown: Endicott, NY

High School: Union-Endicott High School

2010 Stats: 57 Total Tackles (9.5 TFL), 4 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery

2011 Projections: Chandler is coming off a very strong redshirt Sophomore campaign, and looks to be one of the Big East's premier pass rushers. Jones was selected to the All-Big East's second team for his efforts, and should put up first team numbers this year. Luckily, Syracuse has a lot of depth at defensive end with Mikhail Marinovich, Brandon Sharpe and others posing threats opposite of Chandler, so it is tough to focus on him. He had another great spring, and should be one of the premier players on Scott Shafer's defense.

How'd He Get Here: Chan followed in his big brother Arthur Jones' footsteps, coming to Syracuse from Union-Endicott. Chandler had a very productive high school career where he was named as a member of the 2007 Football NYSSWA All-State Class AA First Team Defense. He recorded 75 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries on defense, and averaged a team-best 17.4 yards per reception at tight end on offense.

What did Scout/Rivals Say?: Both rated Chandler as a two-star recruit. Scout.com listed him as the eighth-best prospect in New York in 2007.

Money Quote: "I feel like I've played decent...I feel like I haven't peaked yet. Hopefully, this will be the year."

Links Of Wonder: Brian Bennett, the ESPN Big East Blogger, profiled Chandler back on April 20th.

What Does Marrone Think?: "There were times last year with Chandler where -- I don't know if dominating is too much of a word -- but he was flat-out playing well...He has that type of ability where he can be a force."

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Freak athleticism runs in Chandler's family. The oldest Jones brother, Art, graduated from Syracuse in 2010 after being a three time All-Big East selection at defensive tackle. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2010 draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The middle brother, Jon, is currently the UFC's light heavyweight champion. He is the youngest titleholder in UFC history, and boasts a 13-1 record, with his only loss coming on a disqualification for illegal elbows after dominating a fight against Matt Hamill.

Let Us Get A Good Look At You: Chandler Jones and new Detroit Lion linebacker Doug Hogue give us a tour of Manley Field House's Football Wing