ASU Football: Terrell Chatman gaining traction on the final starting receiver spot

Redshirt junior wide receiver Terrell Chatman hasn’t seen much action on the offensive side of the ball for the Sun Devils. In his first two seasons at Arizona State, Chatman has one career catch for eight yards that came in the loss to Texas Tech last season.

Chatman never got the chance under the Todd Graham and Mike Norvell regime that originally recruited him to Tempe. But now under new head coach Herm Edwards and Co., the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native has made an impression on his current coaches.

“He’s had a good spring. Got to continue to come along, but he’s made tremendous strides throughout the spring,” Arizona State wide receivers coach Charlie Fisher said. “All his thing is consistency. That’s all it’s going to come down to. He’s got skills. When he’s focus and consistent he’s a really good player for us. But he got better all spring, so really pleased with his progression and production. And he got a little but better everyday.”

The Sun Devils are still looking for their other outside starting receiver opposite of junior N’Keal Harry. The spot opened up after redshirt junior wide receiver John Humphrey tore his achilles early in spring which will cause him to miss the entire 2018 season. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Frank Darby and Chatman have battled for the position all spring with Chatman having the current edge. But Darby won’t make the decision easy, especially catching a long touchdown from junior quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole in ASU’s spring game on Friday.

Neither Chatman nor Darby have a ton of in-game experience, thus why Fisher is still looking for more from Chatman to secure the first team spot.

“It’s just going to come down to his offseason now has to lead into a really good camp. And see what he does,” Fisher said. “He’s getting a lot of reps. He’s gotten a lot of opportunities this spring and he’s taken advantage of them. And him and Frank have an ongoing battle at Z.”

Chatman knows there’s a lot of work ahead before anyone is named a starter in the fall. A key to that is just keeping focus on himself.

“Right now I’m just focused on keeping my head down and working on the things I know I need to work on,” Chatman said. “My weaknesses, just keeping my head focused and believing in my ability. Just enjoying the time right now. Just enjoying the moment and just taking advantage of them. Soaking it all in is the biggest thing for me.

“As the years passed, I’ve been able to get to remember the playbook, and to just go out there and play. Coach (Arizona State Offensive Coordinator Rob) Likens has really tired to make the offense similar to last year as much as possible. And just believing I can go out there because I know that the sky is the limit for me. I have a high ceiling so I’m just trying to take advantage of that.”

With most eyes on First Team All Pac-12 wide receiver N’Keal Harry and junior wide receiver Kyle Williams coming out of the slot, the third wide receiver is going to be an important part of the team’s success this coming year.

Chatman’s coaches see his potential. He knows his own ultimate capability. And Chatman’s teammate sees what the 6-foot-4 receiver can do for the Sun Devils.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement,” Harry said about Chatman. “Terrell has matured so much since I first got here. And you know he’s a real skilled receiver, real skilled player. He has the potential to be spectacular on this level and the next.”