The past shaped Terrell Chestnut’s NFL future
As he embarks on a career in the NFL, former WVU football player Terrell Chestnut took time to reflect on what got him here.
From Pottstown, Pa. to Morgantown, W.Va., Chestnut now founds himself in San Diego, Calif. trying to land a spot on the roster of the San Diego Chargers.
Related Story: Terrell Chestnut garners important honor from WVU
Like the players in this position, Chestnut is thankful for the opportunity. He is also confident and prepared to do whatever it takes to continue playing football.
Using the fundamentals he learned as a youngster and the focus and agility he gained with the Mountaineers, Chestnut is in a good position in the professional ranks.
The learning process gets even more stringent in the NFL.
“The camp experience has been great,” Chestnut told Scout.com. “Being able to learn from all the vets has been incredible. It’s been an honor to be a part of of Chargers organization and being able to work with so many great players.”
More from Hail WV
- Every West Virginia potential March Madness venue in 2023 NCAA Tournament
- West Virginia March Madness Schedule: When do the Mountaineers play next? (Updated March 12)
- West Virginia vs. Kansas prediction and odds for Saturday, February 25 (Take Mountaineers as underdogs)
- WVU Football Recruiting: Mountaineers make Malik Hartford’s short list
- Previewing WVU basketball against Oklahoma State
To get here, Chestnut had to work with some great influencers when he was younger. His parents, teachers, youth coaches and teammates encouraged him to always try his best.
“A lot of people come into college, especially athletes, with the goal of going to the NFL,” Chestnut said in a NCAA video. “The reality is that 1.6-percent will actually go on to the NFL. I understand that static, that’s why it was really important for me to hone in on my academics. I had to make the most of my opportunity here to get a free education, which I did, by graduating. Getting my education is going to carry me a long way. Who knows what my future holds in the NFL?”
For now, he’s riding out the most of this dream-come-true.
Chestnut and other rookies with the Chargers took part in a recent minicamp in California. According to Scout.com, San Diego had 10 cornerbacks in camp, including Chetsnut. Other players, like Chestnut, were undrafted free agents.
Chestnut is joined in Chargers camp with his fellow West Virginia product, Shaq Petteway. Like Chestnut, Petteway has a lot of hard work ahead of him if he wants to make the roster as there are also double digit linebackers vying for a spot in San Diego.