EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added to their running backs room during the 2022 NFL Draft by tabbing Ty Chandler in the fifth round (169th overall).
A standout at North Carolina in 2021, Chandler called it "truly a blessing" to be selected by Minnesota.
A graduate transfer to North Carolina in 2021, Chandler called it "truly a blessing" to be selected by Minnesota.
He started all 13 games for the Tar Heels last season, racking up 1,092 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and becoming the 20th UNC player in school history to record a 1,000-yard rushing season.
Chandler also added 15 catches for 216 yards and one touchdown through the air.
Here are five things to know about the Vikings new running back:
1. From Volunteer to Tar Heel
Prior to transferring to North Carolina, Chandler played four seasons for Tennessee.
He was asked to share touches for the Volunteers rather than being the featured starting running back, a role reflected in his stats. Chandler totaled 2,046 yards and 26 touchdowns on 421 carries for Tennessee.
2. Mr. Football
Chandler grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Montgomery Bell Academy, where he was rated as consensus four-star prospect and one of the nation's top 100 recruits.
Chandler rushed for 2,252 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior in 2016, helping him earn his second Division II-AA Tennessee Mr. Football Award. He also received the honor following a junior season in which he ran for 2,558 yards and 31 touchdowns.
View photos of UNC RB Ty Chandler who was selected No. 169 overall in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
RB Ty Chandler
3. 'Underrated' speedster
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Chandler impressed with his speed. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, which landed among the event's top performers.
Chandler was lauded during the combine by ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay:
4. Runs in the family
Chandler isn't the only one in the family to play football.
His father, Chico, played defensive back at Ole Miss after shining for the Houston High School (Mississippi) Hilltoppers.
5. Be the Match
Chandler is a proponent of registering with Be The Match, an organization that works to treat those with blood cancers.
In November, he made a video encouraging others to register as potential bone marrow donors that could save the life of an individual battling leukemia.
Supporters can also choose to contribute financially or donate cord blood.
