Tyler Junior College

Apaches News

Chappelle Brings Hoops Skills to Football Field

Fri, Sep. 14, 2012 - [Football]

Article Courtesy of Phil Hicks, Tyler Morning Telegraph

Tyler Junior College sophomore wide receiver Jeremey Chappelle was a standout at both Jacksonville High School and The Brook Hill School in Bullard. While at Brook Hill, he led the Guard to the TAPPS Division III title game.

While the Guard came up short in the championship game, 35-28, to Waco Reicher, Chappelle had a great game, gathering in seven catches for 65 yards. In the state semifinal game, a 54-29 win over Arlington Pantego Christian the week before; Chappelle had five catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns (one a 99-yarder).

While at Brook Hill, he was on both the All-East Texas and all-state basketball teams.

He played as a true freshman in 2010 at SFA, hauling in 12 catches for 175 yards. After a year at the Nacogdoches campus, he decided to transfer to TJC.

In last week's 38-30 loss to Kilgore College, Chappelle had 10 catches for 168 yards, including a 59-yard TD reception.

In two games, the 6-3, 210-pound sophomore has 11 receptions for 177 yards and a TD. He is averaging 16.1 yards per catch.

He is scheduled to graduate in December.

His mother, Veronica Hunter, was a standout basketball player for the Apache Ladies.

Chappelle and the No. 20 Apaches will play Southeast Prep of Houston on Saturday on Earl Campbell Field at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

TMF Rose Stadium is located at 600 Fair Park Drive, near the Tyler Rose Garden, Mike Carter Field and Harvey Convention Center.

The following is a question-and-answer session with Chappelle.

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Q: Tell me about your senior year at Brook Hill.

A: My senior year, it was pretty amazing. We had a new coach, Terry Pirtle. He came in and changed our whole system around; we went to a spread offense. I had a real big year - almost 1,500-yards receiving and 16 touchdowns. We went to the state championship game. We came up short, but we got there. We started a winning tradition. It was the first time Brook Hill went to the state championship game - we kind of built the foundation. Last year (Brook Hill) won it.

Q: You started off playing defensive back. Do you still like defense?

A: Defense was my love. I understand defense. As a receiver, it helps me now.

Q: After high school, you attended Stephen F. Austin State University. You received a lot of playing time as a freshman. Why did you transfer?

A: I got a lot of experience. Those guys down there taught me a lot. I had great coaching. I played Texas A&M my first collegiate game. It was a lot of fun. I made some mistakes down there and we parted ways. SFA released me and I transferred (to TJC). (Tyler assistant) Coach (Russell) Thompson had recruited me when he was at Kilgore (College). I had heard he came to TJC and I gave him a call. I came over and (head) coach (Danny) Palmer liked me. He remembered me from high school; and he gave me a chance.

Q: How do you like being an Apache?

A: Ever since I got here, I have enjoyed it. I love playing for coach Palmer. There is not a better coach out there. If it wasn't for him, I really don't know where I would be.

Q: You were All-East Texas and all-state in basketball. Do you bring some of your basketball skills to the football field?

A: I try to bring traits from the basketball court to football. Basketball was my first love. When I see the football in the air, I look at it like a rebound.

Q: Talk about the Kilgore game.

A: We started off really slow. We made so many mental mistakes. We were really beating ourselves. We are 10 times better than the way we played. Kilgore came out ready to play. I give Kilgore credit. They are a good team. There are some correctable mistakes we made. We have to capitalize on our opportunities. We have to execute on offense. Our defense stepped up, creating turnovers. We have to take advantage of those chances.

Q: On the final play, you were very close to scoring. Were you in the end zone?

A: I was out of bounds. I watched the film - I watched it over, and over, and over again. It was pretty close, but I was out of bounds.

Q: This week the Apaches have Southeast Prep. What do you have to do?

A: They put up 21 points on Blinn last week (70-21 loss). Our defense has to step up. Our DBs have to be ready. Our offense has to eliminate the penalties.

Name: Jeremey Chapelle

School: Tyler Junior College

Sport: Football

Position: Wide receiver

Number: 15

Height: 6 feet, 3 inches

Weight: 210 pounds

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Jacksonville

High School: The Brook Hill School, Bullard

Parents: Veronica Hunter, Jacksonville

Favorite Food: Fried chicken