MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama defensive lineman Dondre Chanet recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss this season, as well as his journey to get to USA. 

Chanet, a senior from Lafayette, La., has appeared in all six games this season, and has six tackles, a half-tackle for loss and one fumble recovery. As a junior last year, he played in eight games while helping the Jaguars to the program's first-ever bowl appearance.

What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"I liked the program, and felt like it was on the rise. I could see it. The coaches told me the program was only six years old, and it was building fast. I liked (assistant) Coach (Brian) Turner and the coaching staff and campus."

How did you benefit from playing in junior college?
"It made me appreciate things more. Now that I am here, I know what it takes. And it made me have a better appreciation for things."

How have you improved under Coach Turner?
"I had a pretty good coach in junior college, but I could tell Coach Turner was more aggressive. Since I have been here, I have improved a lot. Coach Turner has taught me a lot with my hands and footwork. I just like the way he coaches."

How have you improved since last season? What are some areas you wanted to improve on in the offseason?
"I weighed about 310 during the bowl game, and now I am 290. I can move much better, and I have improved with my hands and feet. I know the plays much better. I just have that mental focus that has really upped my game a level."

What are some strengths of the defense?
"I feel like we are the smartest defense in the nation. We run so many plays, especially as a defensive line. I play nose (tackle), three technique and sometimes (defensive) end. I think our defensive line is more versatile and the linebackers and defensive backs are smart and quick. We all know the playbook really well."

Do you prefer playing inside or on the edge?
"I prefer playing in the middle. I like to get heavy, dirty and nasty. I like the inside runs. Pass game is really not my strongest thing, but I like to be on the inside."

What are your strengths as a defensive lineman?
"My strength is playing on the inside. I love playing on the goal line. I just like to man-handle people."

What do you like about playing in (defensive coordinator) Coach (Travis) Pearson's scheme?
"I like how we keep the offensive line thinking; they don't know what we will do. I like how we move. We are always bumping, playing different positions. It gives us more opportunities to make plays."

Did you set any personal goals for this season?
"I want to get double-digit tackles and five sacks."

What do you want to do when your football career is over?
"I want to coach defensive line at either the high school or collegiate level."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to watch film and hang around with my friends and talk about football every day."

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