FCS All-American Tyrese Chambers Takes His Talents to FIU

Coming out of Baltimore’s Poly High School, Tyrese Chambers was one of only two wide receivers to make all USA Today’s Maryland first-team all-state list, hauling in 54 receptions for 1,200 yards and 21 touchdowns in only 10 games. The other, Daniel George, was rated a four-star recruit and signed with Penn State. However, Chambers was overlooked by many programs and landed at Fort Scott Junior College in Kansas, where he excelled in the classroom as a student, earning a 3.6 GPA.

That success brought the 6-1, 185-pound wideout an offer from FCS Sacred Heart in the Spring where he again was a top-tier talent. Chambers became an instant playmaker for the Pioneers, recording 50 catches for 811 yards and 10 scores en route to becoming an All-American and a Jerry Rice Award finalist, given to the freshman of the year in FCS.

The success isn’t a surprise to the Baltimore native who carries himself with a humble, yet confident demeanor — Chambers believes he’s always been capable of being an excellent receiver when provided an opportunity.

“I just want people to see me as someone who’s known for my work ethic and an opportunity to show that I’ll give 100% effort at anything I do,” said Chambers.

Following his record-setting year at Sacred Heart, the interest from FBS programs came in droves, receiving offers from UTSA, Toledo, Lousiana-Monroe, Ball State and Coastal Carolina. Chambers was committed to UTSA, but the three-star JUCO prospect announced his signing to FIU during the afternoon of early signing day, in large part due to his conversations with head coach Butch Davis.

“He’s an awesome dude and I love his energy,” said Chambers. “He didn’t pressure me to commit, we just had a relaxed conversation and he’s the guy who got me to commit to FIU.”

For FIU fans, an NFL receiver who he models his game after will bring back fond memories.

“My favorite receivers are Calvin Ridley, T.Y. Hilton, Stefon Diggs and Antonio Brown,” said Chambers. “Stefon Diggs is from where I’m from and T.Y. Hilton and I are similar size — I’m a little bigger and I feel like a complete receiver, but we’re both are Swiss Army knife-type players who can play inside or outside and stretch the defense going vertical.”

Off the field, the soft-spoken Chambers prides himself on being a diligent worker with high character. On the field, he sees himself as an athlete with something to prove each time the ball is snapped.

“I go into another world when I’m on the football field,” said Chambers. “I listen to a lot of Jeezy and NBA Youngboy, so they get me hyped and I want to destroy the person across from me.”

As a player who was underrecruited coming out of high school who turned into an All-American, Chambers wasn’t deterred by FIU’s 0-5 record during the regular season and wants to play a part in helping the Panthers return to post-season play after their three-year bowl streak came to an end this year.

“I know (FIU) had a rough season, but I know that’s not the norm for Coach Davis and the program,” said Chambers. “I committed based on the coaching staff and I know what it’s like to believe in yourself when nobody else believes in you — I can’t wait to get down there and help the team get back to a bowl game.”