Gameday notebook: Chandler hopes for a late return

CHANDLER HOPES

FOR A LATE RETURN

As expected, Northwestern fans can see defensive tackle Todd Chandler in uniform on the sideline this season. Except he isn't wearing pads; only a book bag and a knee brace.

Chandler, a junior, partially tore his left lateral collateral ligament Aug. 7 during a preseason summer workout.

Chandler underwent surgery Aug. 22 to repair the ligament and is rehabilitating the injury daily.

Chandler, who attends every game and walks the sideline to help his defensive teammates, said the knee has little to no pain now.

''It feels great,'' Chandler, who is 6-2, 290 pounds, said.

``My doctors said that my rehab has been going good and that I'm actually healing a lot faster than they thought I would.

``They even cleared me to do some light running in practice and on the treadmill.''

The injury came at an inauspicious time for Chandler and Northwestern.

He was one of three returning starters on a young defense.

Chandler said that making the adjustment from player to fan has had been met with many obstacles.

''At first, things were kind of hard for me to adjust to not being able to be out there helping my teammates,'' Chandler said. ``Especially during the Cal [Long Beach] Poly game, when we were struggling on defense and I knew I would have been able to help.''

Northwestern's defense, however, has rallied in Chandler's absence, allowing 49 points through its first four games.

Chandler's college prospects haven't taken a hit. He confirmed that more than 20 schools have shown an interest and many have made official scholarship offers.

AQUINAS-DEERFIELD

NATIONAL MATCHUP

The long-awaited showdown between Deerfield Beach and St. Thomas Aquinas will be available on television nationally on CBS College Sports.

The game has been moved to an 8 p.m. kickoff at St. Thomas Aquinas next Friday.

Both teams are ranked in the top 10 nationally.

St. Thomas won the Class 5A state championship last season and is ranked No. 1 in the country by the National Prep Poll.

-- J.T. WILCOX

AND ANDRE C.
FERNANDEZ

 

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