How SMU’s Elijah Chatman’s incredible strength sets him up for success

[MightyGiants]

'Baby Bison': How SMU's Elijah Chatman's incredible strength sets him up for success
Chatman's been the strongest since he was a boy. That hasn't changed entering his senior year with the Mustangs.


Today, Chatman – known as the "Baby Bison," pronounced (BEE-ZAHN) with a French accent – is still not only the strongest at his school, but also one of the strongest college football players in the country. That seventh grader is now a senior defensive lineman for SMU. He can now bench 500 pounds. His current record for reps of 225 pounds – a day after lifting, at that – is 42. He did it to end summer workouts this year. Only 11 players in the history of the NFL Combine have done more.

But Chatman is more than his strength. He was a second-team all-conference selection last season. In the last month or so he's been named to numerous watch lists. In addition, with his immense strength, and his 6-foot size, he was named to Bruce Feldman's annual "freaks list" in college football – an honor given to college football players who can bring something unique to the table.

"He's a guy, man," said SMU defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux, a longtime coach at Oklahoma prior. "There's just so much power."

And with great power, comes great potential: a narrative that's always followed the Baby Bison.

MORE

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/smu-mustangs/2022/08/20/baby-bison-how-smus-elijah-chatmans-incredible-strength-sets-him-up-for-success/

[MightyGiants]