“It’s a blessing to be here and I don’t take it for granted,” he said. “I got to go out there and play, so it was super awesome. Super thankful for the opportunity.”
Chism also credited his background for shaping his all-around game. “It kind of started in high school. My coaches were always on us about blocking,” he said. “You’re never going to get the ball if you don’t block. So I always carried that over. Just doing all the little details, I feel like being a receiver that can block can open up opportunities to get on the field. Whatever I can do to help the team.”
Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer echoed that sentiment, praising Chism’s versatility and effort, “Efton is doing everything we’re telling him to earn a role on special teams,” Springer said. “Know the details of it, that’s hitting these fundamentals and go earn that role by playing full speed, and then making great decisions and I think he’s doing that above and beyond. Another great kid, that’s doing a great job for us.”
That willingness to contribute in multiple phases is critical for a player fighting for a roster spot. But Chism’s impact is not limited to special teams. He is also earning trust in the passing game, and quarterback Josh Dobbs offered a glowing review of the rookie’s approach and skill set.
“He fits really well within the scheme and offense,” Dobbs said. “He does a great job in the routes that he has of being fast when he needs to, but also being strategic when he needs to. He’s a QB-friendly target, like in the red zone or on third down. He gets a lot of good matchups, and he wins those matchups, which is most important.”
Dobbs pointed to Chism’s preparation as a key factor in his early success, “He’s asking the older guys like myself, Mack [Hollins], for any tools, anything that we’re seeing that can help him get open and do the right thing,” Dobbs said. “He’s doing extra walk-throughs. He’s playing the mental game before practice and before the game, so that he’s prepared when he steps on the field. He deserves all the love that he’s getting. But I think he understands that it’s just one day at a time. Take advantage of each opportunity, and each day is a new day to go out and dominate and make plays on the field.”