Former USC walk-on Chisolm fighting for NFL shot

Garrett Chisolm had a decorated career at South Carolina after walking on in 2009.

TIM KIMZEY/tim.kimzey@shj.com

Published: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:06 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:06 p.m.

Garrett Chisolm has never minded earning his way.

The former South Carolina standout grabbed a spot on the Gamecocks offensive line as a walk-on in 2009 and worked his way to a second-team All-SEC selection the next season as a senior. He also was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded to a college football player with the best combination of on-field success, academics and community service, and won the 2011 Gamecock Inspiration Award.

Chisolm, a West Ashley High School product, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins during training camp and spent one week on their practice squad in 2011. He also had practice squad stints with Carolina (Nov. 2011) and Baltimore (Jan. 2012) before signing with San Francisco (Feb. 2012). He reached a waived/injury settlement after hurting his knee with the 49ers during the preseason last August.

Since that time, Chisolm (6-foot-6, 290-pounds) has been working out to stay in shape and was re-signed by the Panthers last week.

?I feel like everything is coming along,? Chisolm said following Tuesday morning's training camp practice at Wofford. ?It's only my fifth day here, so I'm just taking it one day at a time, trying to pick up the playbook as fast as I can and have fun. That's the most important thing.?

Chisolm is battling with fellow offensive tackles Byron Bell, Patrick Brown, Bruce Campbell, Nate Chandler, Jordan Gross and Garry Williams. Gross is entering his 11th season as a starting left tackle and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Bell started 15 games at right tackle last year.

Chisolm said he's just as determined to become a member of the Panthers as he was with the Gamecocks.

?That experience at Carolina, my parents motivated me in that situation,? he said. ?They are no longer here. In this situation, it's different. I guess my little brother and his baby is my new motivation that I can still play after knee surgery. That's the thing that's motivating me. I'm picking everything up on the fly here. That's what I do. Nothing comes easy for me.?

Chisolm feels getting a chance to compete for a roster spot with Carolina is the perfect opportunity after being raised in South Carolina.

?I love it,? he said. ?I've looked at Jordan Gross when I started playing football as a high school senior and (former South Carolina offensive lineman) Travelle Wharton played here. Captain (Munnerlyn) has been good. Thomas Davis has been good. Charles Johnson and all of the SEC guys have been telling me to keep on working hard. Jordan Gross, Garry Williams, Byron Bell have all been there. If I need help I just come to them and they help me.?

Chisolm plans on giving total effort each time on the practice field during camp. He's hopeful it will be enough to impress the coaches.

?I feel like I can give them everything of me,? Chisolm said. ?Hopefully it's what they want and what they need.?

Source: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130730/articles/130739953

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