Interview: 2021 Mississippi Talent Chandler Pittman is a Monster Playmaker
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Fans of movies that are filled with thrills and suspense can relate to watching Chandler Pittman on the gridiron. With the ball in his hands, anything is seemingly possible and incredibly athletic plays straight out of a Hollywood script happens with regularity. The 5-10, 165-pound, dual-threat loaded up Magee High School’s playbook and unleashed an All-State performance. He connected on 202 of 279 passes for 3,012 yards with 26 touchdowns and rushed for 1,354 yards with 19 more scores posted. The work turned in provided a 10-4 season for the Trojans with District Offensive MVP and All-Conference honors added to the trophy case.
Elven reported offers have come in for Pittman thus far, but on Oct. 27, 2019, Pittman verbally committed to his dream school – Ole Miss.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star recruit who has posted a 4.36 40-yard dash trying best to put his amazing talents into written word.
Interview
Chandler, you guided the Trojans to a three-game run into the playoffs. How did that extra experience against some of the best teams in Mississippi help push your game to another level as a play-making quarterback?
“It really made me have to make plays and not force it. I had to get my play-makers the ball in space.”
Your numbers across the board were extraordinary. What was working for you allowing for the off-the-charts productive season?
“I had four great receivers and the defense held everyone to a low amount of points. My job was easy, get the ball out quick, make the right reads, and my line blocked for me. As the season progressed, we came together and were clicking on all cylinders.”
The burst you have in space and your overall speed is a difference maker. How fast are you?
“At an Ole Miss camp last year, I ran a 4.36.”
Whoa. That’s fast. During the 2019 season you also got some snaps in on defense. What position(s) were you playing?
“I played as a third down guy at safety or corner. I want to be the best player on the field at all times and make plays for my team. When I was at corner, they’d lock me up their best receiver. At safety, they had me deep as a ball hawk.”
Will we see more of you on defense in 2020?
“I’m not sure yet. I am hoping I will.”
What have you been working on this offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“I’ve been working on being more of a pocket passer. The goal is to win a state championship and to become the best passer I can be even though in college I might not play quarterback because of my height.”
With the virus going around, things have been off kilter. Before everything shutdown, where you able to attend any camps?
“No. I was invited to Rivals and the Elite 11. The Rivals camp was during baseball season. We had a double-header the day before; I missed that camp. I plan to attend the Elite 11 if all works out.”
Going into recruiting. In October, you committed to Ole Miss. What was it about the Rebels staff and Oxford that became your ideal fit?
“I’ve been in love since the eighth grade with Ole Miss. Coach (Derrick) Nix (WR) knew I wanted to be a part of the Ole Miss family at a young age; we’ve fought to make that happen. Committing to Ole Miss was a dream come true honestly.”
Pittman’s Offer Sheet (11): Arkansas State, Florida State, Jackson State, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Ole Miss, Samford, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Tulane
How will the new staff utilize your gifts on the field once on campus?
“Coach Nix moved to their receivers’ coach; I am sure I will be a slot receiver.”
Are you recruiting other 2021 players to join you at Ole Miss? If so, what are you telling them about the program?
(Laughs) “I’m talking to (3-Star WR) Cameron Wright from South Panola. We were on the same 7v7 team. He was committed to Ole Miss but decommitted when the old staff was let go. (3-Star WR) Jacobi Moore from Harrison Central, we grew up playing baseball against each other. We talk weekly about our options, about the best fit, and how we may play together one day at the next level.”
Chandler, it was great covering ground with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Pittman family; Chandler Pittman at Ole Miss
Photo credit: Twitter; Chandler Pittman roll out