Ya Gotta Love This Guy

Ivan Maisel

September 11, 2000

Florida State senior tailback Jeff Chaney could start for just about any school that doesn't have a player the caliber of senior Travis Minor, who led the Seminoles with 856 yards in 1999. Instead, Chaney has made a career of coming off the sideline and contributing in a variety of ways. When Florida State wanted to expand the role of the fullback last season, the 200-pound Chaney stepped in. He scored the go-ahead touchdown on a two-yard run in the Seminoles' 30-23 defeat of Florida. Against Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, Chaney, who saw occasional action on special teams, picked up a blocked punt and scored. He also led Florida State in rushing, with 43 yards, in the 46-29 defeat of the Hokies. On Aug. 26, in the Seminoles' 29-3 win over BYU, Chaney, now exclusively the second-string tailback, ran for 12 yards. Not a lot, but at some point this season Florida State will need a play. Chaney will be ready.