Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback Chandler Fields is gearing up for the upcoming season.
Fields has been playing football for a long time, even though he hasn’t always played quarterback.
“I’ve been playing football for 12 years, probably since I was 6. When I was growing up I always played running back and linebacker, but once I got to eighth grade I ended up switching to quarterback,” Fields said.
Fields thrived in the quarterback position. In high school, he was ranked at No. 47 for top players in the state of Louisiana. He was also one of the top prospects for quarterbacks in the state and ranked at No. 31 for pro-style quarterbacks in the nation.
During his first season, he completed his first pass as a Cajun in a game against Texas Southern on Sept. 14. He finished the game gaining 16 yards and completing both passes.
Fields had a football scholarship to attend the university, but it was more than a scholarship that helped him decide to pursue his college career with Louisiana. He also had offers to attend Memphis, Nicholls State and Jackson State, but picked the University of Louisiana at Lafayette over them all.
“It’s a beautiful place and the coaches are extremely great and it’s a family atmosphere,” Fields said. He also said he knew he could pursue his dreams and goals as a Ragin’ Cajun.
Those dreams and goals came early for Fields. In his first season, the Ragin’ Cajuns won their first bowl game outside the state of Louisiana in over 75 years. The 27-17 win against Miami (Ohio) at the Lending Tree Bowl was Fields’ favorite moment from last season.
Like most athletes and sports fans alike, Fields is looking forward to competing this season.
Due to COVID-19, there was a gap of several months without practice. Now practices are modified with several precautions.
“It’s a lot different now. Everytime we get to the facility we have to get screened, we have to answer questions about COVID,” said Fields.
The team is being extra safe.
“We get tested two to three times a week and then at practice you always have to have your mask on; and we have designated areas at practice where you can actually take your masks off but it’s all socially distanced,” said Fields.
For inspiration, Fields named two players.
“I look up to Peyton Manning and Russel Wilson,” Fields said.
Manning is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, having won NFL MVP a whopping five times. Wilson, the current quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, has also seen his share of success and led his team to a Super Bowl win in 2013.
With role models like these and having a genuine love playing the game, more dreams and goals can be accomplished by Fields in the upcoming season.