Chandler: Playing in 2005 was unexpected

ATHENS – Tripp Chandler spoke with Dean Legge for a short time after one of Georgia's fall practices.

Dean Legge: Did you come into this season expecting to play or be redshirted?

Tripp Chandler: We have two of the top tight ends in the nation, and we have some of the best backups – they could start at a lot of big D-I schools. I came in just thinking that I was going to learn my role and be a freshman. I didn’t expect to play. I expected to redshirt, and do the scout team thing. It didn’t work out like that. I kind of came in with the mentality that I wouldn’t play at all. Now I am just trying to catch up. I am trying to stay on top of all of the defenses that we go up against. There are so many defenses that we have to learn.

Going to Tennessee will be something new for you. What do you expect in Knoxville this weekend?

Mayhem – everyone is. Everyone is saying: “You can’t really imagine how loud it is in there.” I am trying to picture it, but it’s hard to imagine 109,000 hating you and your teammates, and it being as loud as it’s going to be. I think it’s an unimaginable situation until you experience it. I am getting pumped to be in that environment.

What’s it like to have two guys – one that could certainly be considered All-American, and the other that is not that far from being All-SEC-- what’s it like having two guys in front of you like that?

It’s special; it’s special for our team; it’s special for me – I know. They are so supportive of me and are always there helping me out. Every time I make a error or every time I make a mistake with my footwork they are always there to help out. As soon as I come off the field they are there to pull me aside, and have one-on-one time with me. I think that’s real special and shows their character.