Football: Two-minute drill with UL’s Chancellor Roberson

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • August 15, 2008

As a fullback, Chancellor Roberson rarely gets the football. He spends most of his time opening holes for his teammates.

But the Houston native knows how to make the most of his limited opportunities with the ball. Of the 12 times he has touched the ball in his career with the Ragin’ Cajuns, the senior has scored twice – both on scoring runs last season.

Roberson took a second to speak with The Daily Advertiser recently about his name, playing on special teams and how he came to UL.

Question: What do you love the most about the game of football and why?

Answer: I’ve been playing football since I was a little boy. I enjoyed it because my brothers and my father played. I just like being around a lot of guys who love doing what I do.

Q: Your first name is somewhat unique. What is the story behind your name?

A: All my dad’s children have his initials, but my mom wanted me to have her initials since I was her youngest son. Her initials are CMR, and I’ve got that tattooed on my arm. Everybody thinks my name is from a soap opera, but it actually means you have a person with great authority.

Q: Last season you appeared in all 12 games as a fullback and on special teams. You also rushed for two touchdowns. What did you work on improving the most during the offseason?

A: I would have to say my explosiveness and power. As a fullback, I need to be able to hit the holes and bring a lot of force and power with me.

Q: You played tight end and defensive end at Galena Park High in Houston. You also played on special teams. Which did you like playing more: offense, defense or special teams?

A: I would say offense because you get to score touchdowns. I enjoyed those all equally. On defense, I liked to hit guys. That was a lot easier for me. You didn’t have to think as much.

Q: At UL you wear No. 45. Why did you pick that jersey number?

A: I actually played linebacker as a sophomore at Dallas Skyline (High) and wore No. 9. When I got to UL I wanted No. 9, but it was retired (in honor of former Cajun safety Damon Mason). I took No. 45 because it’s nine when you add the numbers together.

Q: You made the 2005-06 Sun Belt Conference Honor Roll. What is your GPA and your favorite class since coming to UL?

A: My GPA right now is around 2.9. I’m an English major. I like taking a lot of English classes, even though a lot of guys don’t like it. I can write really well.

Q: Everybody has something that you wouldn’t know by just looking at them. What is something most people don’t know about you?

A: I’m very musically inclined, and I write poetry. I’ve been doing that since I was younger. It has always helped me express myself. I have a personal tablet to keep all my notes.

Q: As a senior at Galena Park High, you earned all-district honors as your team went 10-0 to win the league title. How did you end up playing at UL?

A: I got recruited by a lot of schools, but a lot of schools tried to come in late after we went to the playoffs my senior year. The Cajuns offered me the summer before my senior year. I always had a big thing about being loyal. When I came down here on my visit they showed me a lot of love.

Q: Most athletes pattern their game after their favorite players. Which players do you admire and why?

A: I like Jerome Bettis. He’s the Bus. He’s one of the bigger, premier backs in the NFL. Taking it back further than that, there’s Jim Brown. He was another big, powerful back. And of course, everybody likes the shakes of Barry Sanders.

Q: At some point you will have to give up football. What are your dreams after you’re done playing this game?

A: I’m going to get my teaching certificate so I can coach if I can’t play football after college. My brother (Derick Roberson) is the head football coach at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas and coached at Skyline High School in Dallas the previous 10 years. A lot of the guys who coached me in high school are still in Houston, so I might be able to get a job there.