Getting to know new BYU commit, C/OT/NG Chandler Bird (Class of 2020)

While signing day has come and gone, BYU football continues to recruit to fill out the Class of 2020 as well as looking to the future.  And the Cougars may have uncovered a diamond in the rough with under-the-radar New Jersey lineman Chandler Bird who announced his commitment last week:

COMMITTED!! ?⚪️ #GoCougs @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/Z0Uo1XLLDI

— Chandler Bird (@BigBird944) February 5, 2020

Bird preps at St. Augustine Prep High School (Richland, NJ), where he is a three year starter who plays both ways.  As a senior he was named to the Press All-Star first-team as an offensive lineman, the USA Today All-State second team, and the JSZ Sports All-State team.  “Big Bird” joins the Cougs as a preferred walk-on and has LDS mission plans. 

I caught up with Bird to ask him about his recruiting.

BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?

Bird:  I chose BYU because of the atmosphere, culture, and coaches. The players are one big family who look out for each other. They all view themselves as equals no matter their accomplishments. Their egos go out the door and they work hard every single day. I come from a very large family where I have well over fifty first cousins. Family is a very important part of my life. The team and community felt like a giant extension of my family which makes me feel very much at home. Coach Sitake and his coaching staff are incredible people who care about each player as if they were their own kids. BYU is where I belong.

BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?

Bird:  I love breakfast, especially eggs. My family has some chickens, so each morning I’ll make either a couple of fried eggs with toast, ten scrambled eggs with cheese and a bagel, or a pork roll egg and cheese on a blueberry bagel. I like all types of music (except for classical) and I love to read. I love spending time with family whether it be swimming, boating, wakeboarding, jet skiing, off-roading, going to the beach, or competing in various sports and activities.

BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Bird:  One of my coaches told me “nobody cares. You’re not entitled to anything in life. Work harder.”

BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?

Bird:  Jason Kelce (Center, Philadelphia Eagles. He was always considered to be too short to succeed, but he worked hard and overcame all of the doubters. Now he is also a Superbowl Champion.

If you have any additional information or insight about this recruit, please include it in the comment section below.