Chandler an example why Boise wins

Boise State has made a living off taking players like Ben Chandler.

Chandler, a 6-foot-3, 203-pound outside linebacker from Lomis (Calif.) Del Oro is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 91 player in the state of California. For one reason or another, Chandler didn't have a ton of scholarship offers on his resume when he committed to the Broncos on June 21, but what he did have is that something special that coach Dan Hawkins seems to find in players that he recruits.

That something is the will to win.

"I'm such a competitor, and I can't stand to lose at anything," said Chandler, who clocked a 4.69-second time in the 40-yard dash at the Palo Alto NIKE Training Camp and was also recruited by Washington State, Fresno State, Cal, UNLV, Washington and Oregon State before he made his decision.

"I don't want to sound negative, but if I had gone to someplace like Washington State or UCLA, I would have to probably endure three or four loses a season. They're good teams, but at Boise State we're not going to lose any that many games in three or four years."

Chandler said he was also a perfect fit for Boise State because of the attitude he carries on the field. His team-first approach is very similar to what the Broncos preach to their players every day.

"Everything is about the team, just like it is here at Del Oro," Chandler said. "It's a business, and you have to take things seriously, but the coaches up there are all about the team. They like to make it fun and make you feel important and together with all of the other players. Nobody is high and mighty up there, and you can talk to them about everything."

Chandler was a big piece of the Broncos' puzzle for the class of 2006. He said he was told that he was first player that they offered in California, and that he will be expected to make a big impact quickly there.

"They wanted me really bad," Chandler said.

"I started talking weekly with coach Hawkins and really felt like that was the perfect situation for me. I talked to coach (Ron) Collins and (Bryan) Harrison was also involved. They told me that I was a big priority for them, and that made me feel great.

"I want to be part of something special, and Boise State is big-time football. People are just now starting to realize that across the country, but anybody that talks to the coaches and are around the players know it's one of the best programs in the country."