Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Football: Ty Chandler impresses in first preseason action

By Nick Delahanty

Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) carries the ball while being defended by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) after making a catch during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) carries the ball while being defended by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) after making a catch during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former UNC football standout Ty Chandler put together a strong preseason debut as he looks to earn a significant role for the Minnesota Vikings.

Dalvin Cook is no longer a part of the Minnesota Vikings organization as the franchise looks to find the right mix for its new-look backfield.

Alexander Mattison is expected to get the first crack at filling Cook’s role, but a former UNC football standout is already making his case for an extended look during the preseason.

Ty Chandler got the start in the Vikings’ preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, as he tallied 41 yards on the ground on 11 carries while adding another 29 receiving yards. Overall, the former Tar Heel had 15 touches for a total of 70 yards.

After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell discussed how he liked what he saw from Chandler:

"“I thought Ty Chandler jumped out. Just any time he had the ball in his hands, very rarely tackled by the first defender that was in space. Catching the ball. And then picked up really where he left off as far as his ability when the lights come on to sometimes turn into a different guy. Now I want to see it every single day and really see him be consistent, because he’s proven when it goes live and it’s real football, he’s a tough guy to bring to the ground.”"

Chandler, unfortunately, missed most of his rookie season due to a thumb injury. However, now healthy, the former UNC football standout has the opportunity to show what he’s capable of, as he’s an impact player who could help the Vikings’ offense in both the running and passing game.

The opportunity is there for Chandler, as he looks to put together a strong preseason en route to a significant role in the team’s offensive scheme come the start of the 2023 NFL regular season.

dark. Next. UNC Football 2023 Positional Preview: Running Back

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC football news, updates, and recruiting.

Home/UNC Football