Ex-Clovis West football star Andre Chachere sees increased role at San Jose State
In just his second year at San Jose State, defensive back Andre Chachere already is earning high praise from coach Ron Caragher.
The former Clovis West standout played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2014; and though technically a reserve this season, he has started two of the Spartans’ first three games heading into Saturday night’s contest against visiting Fresno State. He’s making an impact, on special teams as well as defense.
“His role within our program is continuing to grow,” Caragher said. “He’s very valuable on our special teams. Andre has done a great job as a gunner (on) the punt cover unit. He did a tremendous job pinning the opponent down there (and) was involved when that fumble happened (against Oregon State).”
Oregon State’s Rahmel Dockery fumbled a punt and the Spartans’ Shane Smith recovered at the Beavers 6 in the second quarter. It set up a touchdown that gave San Jose State a 14-7 lead, though the Pacific-12 Conference Beavers came back from a 21-14 halftime deficit to win 35-21.
San Jose State is 1-2 overall, also dropping its Mountain West opener two weeks ago at Air Force 37-16. Fresno State (1-2) will play its first conference game of the season on Saturday.
The 6-foot, 193-pound Chachere (pronounced Shah-sur-ray) said he’s relishing his increased playing time.
Each game I feel like I’m getting better
Spartans defensive back Andre Chachere
“My first year getting involved in special teams and defense,” he said. “I still feel like I have a lot of growing up to do, but each game I feel like I’m getting better.”
A recap of his first three games this season:
▪ Started at cornerback against New Hampshire, finishing with four tackles, one pass breakup and a quarterback hit.
▪ Did not start and was not credited with any official stats against Air Force.
▪ Started at safety against Oregon State and recorded four tackles.
“Really excited about him,” said Caragher, in his third year at San Jose State after six at San Diego. “Outstanding athlete. He’s very nimble and quick, and has good acceleration and can jump. His bright years are ahead of him and he’s going to continue to get stronger as he continues to grow. Very encouraged with his future moving forward.”
Chachere was a two-time All-Tri-River Athletic Conference selection at Clovis West, who earned All-Bee honors after a senior season in which he had 55 tackles, 24 pass breakups and four interceptions. He also averaged 17.4 yards per catch as a receiver, with eight touchdowns.
As a Spartans freshman, he had just one tackle, in a season-opening win against North Dakota, while seeing most of his action last year on special teams.
“I just work hard every day,” he said, “just pushing myself so I can play a lot more. Just go out there and do what you have to do, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Other connections – San Jose State defensive end Christian Hill is a senior who played at Sanger and Edison highs. Defensive back Dehlon Preston is a true freshman out of Central.
Eyes for end zone – Spartans running back Tyler Ervin, a 5-10, 177-pound senior from Colton, is tied for seventh nationally in scoring, with seven touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) after three games – one more than he had in all of 2014. He is the first San Jose State running back since Brandon Rutley in 2011 to rush for a touchdown in at least three consecutive games.
Third downs – The Spartans didn’t do well on third downs last weekend against Oregon State, converting 1 of 13. For the season, San Jose State is 15 of 39.
Monthly memories – This is the seventh time that the Bulldogs and Spartans have faced off in September since 1932, San Jose State noted in its weekly release. The last was Sept. 3, 1994, with Fresno State defeating the Spartans 45-13 at Bulldog Stadium.
At stake – For the third straight year, the teams will play for The Valley Trophy, representing Silicon Valley and the central San Joaquin Valley. The teams have swapped ownership the first two years, while the overall series is 40-35-3 in Fresno State’s favor.
Anthony Galaviz: 559-441-6042, @agalaviz_TheBee
This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Ex-Clovis West football star Andre Chachere sees increased role at San Jose State."