Talan Chandler is one of Colorado’s top center targets for the Class of 2024. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder from Nevada (Mo.) High has developed a relationship with the Buffaloes’ new offense coach Bill O’Boyle in recent weeks, and a trip to Boulder this weekend sped up that process.
“I had a really good conversation with Coach O’Boyle, and I also struck up a conversation with (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks) Coach (Sean) Lewis and her assistant offensive line coach,” Chandler summarized. “They told me about their plan and their offense and how they think I would be a good match for them. They told me they really want me.
“It went really well. It was a great visit. Meeting the coaches and seeing the staff and seeing the facilities and everything was great. It exceeded my expectations. The coaching staff and the people who bring Coach Prime to the college really stood out all the trainers there are super real and super amazing people they made it an all round great visit.
Had an absolutely fantastic time at today @CUbuffsSoccer! Had a great chat with @DeionSanders @ob_buffaloes and @Coach_Gunnar! Thanks for the invitation! @JPRockMO @elitefootball @jcurtisdefense @AllenTrieu @adamcm777 pic.twitter.com/3Lu8IJQ242
— Talan Chandler (@ChandlerTalan) January 29, 2023
Chandler has five other early offers, but Colorado is his lone Power 5 option right now. He’s previously made unofficial visits to see Kansas State and Missouri, and he’s on the radar of the Wildcats and Tigers.
“Right now it’s basketball season so that’s kind of coming first, but I definitely want to get out in March and see more colleges because I plan to be an early graduate, an early enroller, so that’s where I want to make my decision in the coming ones months,” Chandler said.
“I’m definitely looking for a place where I feel at home and the coaching staff makes me feel good and they take care of the family and it just feels good all around,” he added. “I want to play somewhere that has great football and I also want to go where I have a chance to play early because I don’t really want to sit for a long time. And also a good training piece, that’s important, too.”
Chandler was a three-time All-Conference selection and twice a high school-level All-State selection. As a junior, he was credited with 131 knockdown blocks.
“The universities say everyone They really like my technique and how smart I am and just being able to read the game and understand the game. That’s what they really love about me being a center. They feel like they can trust me, that I’m the captain of the offense,” he said. “They also love that I can pull because of a lot of teams to recruit, pull their middle in a lot.”
Chandler also excels in the classroom. He received academic all-state honors.