Q&A with junior safety Jeremy Chinn

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Junior safety Jeremy Chinn has been a force as both a run stopper and pass defender since his arrival to southern Illinois. The HERO Sports All-American has tallied seven interceptions and six forced fumbles in 21 career starts.

Was football always your passion growing up?
Since I was five years old I had always wanted to play football. Despite playing multiple sports, I knew that football was what I wanted most for my future.

Your high school football team was knocked out of the playoffs by Carmel (Ind.) for three-straight years. How did you deal with that frustration?
I am still taking it out now. Being knocked out of the playoffs prior to the state championship is hard enough. But for it to happen against the same team makes it even worse.

Why did you choose SIU?
It initially just felt like the right spot for me. The school was diverse, close to home and felt like a no-brainer. When the coaching staff was fired, I actually scrambled and changed my commitment to North Dakota. But when coach Nick Hill took over, he let me know that my scholarship offer was still here and I eventually became set on SIU again.

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Was attending college close to your family a key reason for your commitment to SIU?
It was. The majority of my family lives in Indiana and my dad lives in Florida. Southern Illinois isn't necessarily the closest, but in comparison to North Dakota, it's a big difference. During the season, my mom attends every football game and my dad usually make three or four, so I get to see them a good amount.

Were you surprised to jump into a starting role your freshman year at SIU?
I was not surprised. I knew the work I put in and capabilities I possessed on the football field. Coming into my freshman year, I just continued to work hard and have the mindset of wanting to play football. At the end of the day, I came here to play, not to sit around and redshirt.

You have been with coach Marty Rodgers for three years now. What role has he played on your development as a safety?
He has played a huge role. I love playing for coach Rodgers and he demands excellence from us every single day. When I committed to North Dakota, he was the cornerbacks coach there and made a great impression on me. He played a great role on my recruiting process and when he came to SIU it meant a lot.

You currently rank second in Saluki history with six forced fumbles. Is there a certain technique you use to tackle that causes the ball to come loose?
Coach Rodgers always stresses the importance of running to the ball and finishing the play. When that is instilled in you, more opportunities come during each game. I also try and punch it out whenever the ball is swinging or being carried loosely.

With you being in your third year as a starter, have you become a mentor for the freshmen?
Most definitely. I feel like I am one of those guys who can be approached if a freshman has questions, concerns or anything similar. Whether it is on the field or off the field, I want to be able to help them.

What are your thoughts on the talent of the freshman class?
There are quite a few talented players who I believe will play a big role on the team for years to come. Javon Williams Jr., Oliver McDowell and Je'Quan Burton have especially stood out.

Coming into MVFC play, what are your thoughts on the talent of the conference? 18291

The MVFC is the best FCS conference in the country. The non-conference games are fun and all, but when you get to conference play it is just that much faster and more competitive.

What is your mentality for bouncing back from a tough loss?
Not getting stuck in the pity-party is crucial. My freshman year, we lost quite a few games and noticed that the team would still be down about the defeat two to three days later. This year, I have been focused on getting back to work and channeling in on the next opponent following a tough loss.

What influenced your decision to major in exercise science?
I love being around athletics and know that I want to be around it for the rest of my life.

Do you have any plans post-graduation?
I want to pursue a career in the NFL. If that doesn't work out, I want to either coach or open a gym.

Do you have any have any hobbies outside of football?
I like to play video games and basketball. I don't play basketball during the season for obvious reasons, but it's fun to get back on the court every once in a while. Right now, I have been playing a lot of Fortnite. That is pretty much what the team is always playing.

Are there any athletes who have influenced the way you play football?
I try and take a couple things from everybody. Two in particular are former NFL safeties Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed. I loved the way Dawkins got to the ball and how he used his physicality. The way Ed Reed could read the quarterback and make a play on the ball was ridiculous as well.