When his team needed him to step up and make a position change last summer, Holy Angles junior TaQuez Chatman TaQuez Chatman DL Holy Angels | 2021 State MN was first in line to make a change. Although he had…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inWhen his team needed him to step up and make a position change last summer, Holy Angles junior
TaQuez Chatman
TaQuez
Chatman
DL
Holy Angels | 2021
State
MN
was first in line to make a change. Although he had been a linebacker during his sophomore season, he embraced his new position and became one of the best pass rushers and defenders on the team.
“I improved my game a lot,” Chapman said. “I had to step up and change my position. I felt like I had a good year and was working hard on my techniques in practice, and it showed in my performance. I took a leadership role on the defensive line.”
Last offseason, the coaches mentioned the need for more defensive lineman.
“Sophomore year, I played inside linebacker, but the coaches said we needed a defensive end. I told the coach, ’I got this.’ The coaches thought I would be able to use my speed and athletic ability against offensive tackles.”
The position change didn’t start well.
“The transition was tough. We went to a team camp at South Dakota, and I was getting pushed around,” Chapman admitted. “I talked to my coach, and he taught me some techniques I could use. I used that and my speed and athletic ability.”
The junior played some nose tackle, but usually, he was the strong-side defensive end in a three-man front.
“I feel like my speed is my strength,” Chapman said. “I think my technique helps with my swim and rip moves.”
A full-time defensive player, Chapman played wing-back in some offensive formations.
“I am able to use my power to block for my running backs. I have always been able to catch. I only dropped one ball last season.”
The Stars started strong in 2019.
“The first couple of games we were connecting on all cylinders – everyone was healthy,” Chatman said.
“Then the second part of the season we started to fall apart with injuries – we lost our captains. We won a playoff game, but then when we faced Benilde, we weren’t hitting on offense. We have most of our guys coming back. We should be good next year.”
The Stars finished with a 5-5 record.
“On defense, we were forcing three and outs,” Chapman explained. “Everyone was communicating. On offense, we would pound the ball in the running game and then take our shots in the passing game.”
This offseason, the 5’11″ 245-pound junior is focused on his feet and technique.
“I need to work on the small details like my footwork,” Chapman told northstarfootballnews.com. “I need to work on my pass rush and work on getting off blocks. On offense, I need to get faster.”
This winter, Chapman played basketball, and until things shut down, he was planning on throwing for track and getting into the weight room.
“I play multiple positions in basketball and am a good defensive player. I get my teammates involved. We lost in the section finals.”
Back on the football field, Chapman is being recruited primarily as a tight end, fullback and inside linebacker.
“Recruiting has been going good,” Chapman – whose hobbies include cooking – said. “I have been in touch with some coaches. I had some junior days lined up. St. Johns, Bemidji State, Winona State, Iowa Western, Concordia-St. Paul and St. Thomas seem to be most interested, and the schools I am most interested in right now.”
Chapman said the programs like his physicality and his speed. Based on his junior season, they are going to like his versatility too.
