Former Sea Gull Jarrell Chandler signs with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL

SALISBURY, Md. – Each and every year, college student-athletes finish their eligibility and are forced to give up the dream of playing their favorite sport in a competitive atmosphere. For former Salisbury University defensive-end Jarrell Chandler (Salisbury, Md.), his dream was kept alive as he was recently signed to the active roster of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

Chandler, a 2008 first-team American Football Coaches Association All-American, recently signed a one-year contract with the Blue Bombers. Chandler will report for training camp on June 1, with the first exhibition game just 12 days later on June 13 against the Montreal Alouettes.

The Salisbury, Md., native has been preparing for this opportunity to showcase his abilities since his playing career ended at Salisbury. "I am very excited about the opportunity to start my professional football career. I have been preparing for this by working out six-times a week, two-times a day. My goal is to play hard in my first year and hopefully impress enough people, so that I can fulfill my ultimate goal which is to play in the National Football League."

At Salisbury, Chandler played in 33 games over three years while racking up 155 career tackles. The defensive-end finished with 23 career sacks for a loss of 157 yards. Additionally he forced four fumbles, recovered two fumbles, made three blocks, had one interception and racked up 53.5 tackles for a loss of 244 yards.

Chandler was very grateful for the experience he had at SU and the experience he gained under the tutelage of head coach Sherman Wood.

"The coaches instilled in me a lot of responsibility, taught me how to play within an organization, and gave me the opportunity to gain leadership skills as a captain. Even after my SU career was over, the coaches still infused that drive in me to pursue my goals as a professional football player."

Chandler will look to help propel the Blue Bombers to their 11th Grey Cup, the CFL Championship trophy, and the first since 1990 during the 2010 campaign.