Ole Miss LB Tahj Chambers Speaks on Teammates, What Sets Ole Miss Apart
OXFORD, Miss. – Alongside wide receiver Traylon Ray and offensive lineman Delano Townsend, linebacker Tahj Chambers was available to the media following the conclusion of the Rebels’ first week of fall camp on Friday.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Chambers was an All-MVFC Conference player for Missouri State, where he notched 88 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery in the 2024 season.
Over the course of his time there, Chambers was a three-year starter, amassing 196 total career tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and two interceptions. He was also a team captain for the Bears in 2024.
This is what he had to say about his fellow teammates, the staff, and playing in the SEC.
Working with starting LB TJ Dottery
“Having a guy on the team that’s a leader for the team in general, and in our position group, helps a lot. He knows the playbook, he’s been in the group for a long time, he’s just been helping out whenever he can.”
Tahj Chambers on TJ Dottery
Having someone on the team who, like Chambers mentioned, is a leader for the whole team and not just one position group, is something extremely valuable to have. Dottery’s willingness to share his experience and knowledge is important for Chambers and the other new faces on the Rebel defense.
If Ole Miss can continue this chain of leadership and guidance, passing knowledge and information from one player to the next, Ole Miss will be able to build a skilled defense with chemistry that will last for many seasons to come.
Ole miss here I come pic.twitter.com/HYIofH3lV4
— Tahj Chambers (@Tahjchambers11) December 21, 2024
Improvements since arriving in Oxford
“Since being here, I’ve been gaining weight like crazy; they feed us a lot here. I’ve been gaining a lot of muscle, getting stronger, faster, the program in general is built to elevate players.”
Tahj Chambers on gaining weight
This is something important that can be attributed to the coaching staff as a whole, maybe more specifically the nutrition staff, but something that shows just how dedicated the players and staff are. It may be something that goes unnoticed now, but will pay big dividends once the grueling SEC season begins.
Andrew Jones (No. 12) and Tahj Chambers (No. 26) working inside linebacker drills with Pete Golding today. pic.twitter.com/oF4llywWxq
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 25, 2025
“They feed us a lot, man,” Chambers said. “Every chance they get, they’re putting something in front of us to eat. I came in at 215, right now I’m at 235.”
It’s more than just staying in shape, it’s about being in the best position weight weight-wise, to perform effectively. Putting on the weight and getting stronger and faster are things that will help Chambers perform his best.
Frequently, it all comes down to the little things that go on behind the scenes. The dedication put into the diet and the weight room is one of those things that may go unnoticed, but is also what sets players apart.
Why play in the SEC?
“The [NFL] is definitely a goal for me, I feel like every football player who comes to college has those dreams of going to the next level. I feel like playing at Missouri State, I didn’t get the recognition I wanted to, so I decided after I graduated to come to a bigger program to showcase my talent on a bigger stage.”
Tahj Chambers on his goals
If Chambers wants a bigger stage and recognition, he’s come to the right place at Ole Miss. If he can stand out while playing against teams like Georgia, Florida, LSU, etc., he’ll get the recognition he’s searching for.
If he can continue to perform through camp, improve himself physically, and work hard, then he’ll earn a spot on the big stage.
At a school like Ole Miss, where there’s been a history of talent, and one coming off a season in which it had eight draft picks, Chambers picked the right place to go.
His physicality fits
“I’m a very physical linebacker, so here at Ole Miss it plays in very well. We like to bring a lot of pressure, and that’s my type of style. I love to blitz.”
Tahj Chambers on his style of play
He’s indeed a great fit for Ole Miss, and in Chambers, defensive coordinator Pete Golding has found someone who “loves to get in the action,” one who can be an important piece for the defense.
Chambers is the epitome of a player who loves the game of football, someone who stays in the weight room, trusts the plan and the program, and continuously grows as a person and a player.
Noah Scoggins
Noah is from Killeen, Texas, and graduated from Early College High School. He grew up in the Birmingham, Alabama, area and is now a second-year senior at the University of Alabama and will graduate in the spring. He is currently majoring in news media with a focus in sports media, as well as a minor in criminal justice. Noah has always loved and been passionate about college athletics and wants to share his love for sports.
