Sept. 20, 2011

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By Keith Sneddon, Maryland Athletics Media Relations

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In football, every great player anticipates that chance to step up and become an integral part of his team.

For Cameron Chism, that moment came in 2009, when then-senior cornerback Nolan Carroll broke his leg and was sidelined for the rest of the season. As an 18-year old sophomore making his first career start against Middle Tennessee State, Chism seized the opportunity.

Not only did Chism meet expectations - he exceeded them, coming up big with nine solo stops on 12 total tackles and two interceptions, the first of his career. The journey for Chism was only beginning though, with his sophomore debut paving the way for 24 consecutive starts--the most of any player on the team.

"It was tough to see Nolan go down, but I just tried to step in and not be the weakest link and be the guy to get picked on," said Chism. "They did throw my way a lot, because I was a sophomore, but I just tried to play my role."

Chism entered the 2011 season ranked first on the team in career pass break ups (16) and third in career tackles with 144. He was chosen as a 2011 preseason All-ACC selection and in his first game against Miami on Labor Day evening, Chism showed a sold-out Byrd Stadium that he was a force to be reckoned with.

Trailing 26-24 late in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-four, Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris had one more chance to move the chains on the defense and put his team in position to win. In the pouring rain with under a minute to play, Chism made perhaps the biggest play of the night, but not before taking a page out of the 2010 season opener to seal the deal.

"Before the drive even started, I just thought about last year and how we were down two [points] and [Navy] had the ball the last drive of the game," said Chism. "I didn't want a repeat of that to happen, so I just tried to make sure I was on my A-game. The guy ran a five-yard hitch and I played press-man [coverage], it was fourth-and-four, and I kind of figured he would run to the sticks and just turn around. When he did that, I just jumped [the route] and caught the ball"

With the interception return for a touchdown, Chism put the game out of reach and led Maryland to a 32-24 victory. Earlier in the game, Chism had forced a fumble that Joe Vellano scooped up and rain in 30 yards for a touchdown to give Maryland the lead at halftime.

Being the guy to make the big play when the team needs it most is a role Chism has embraced throughout his career. Against James Madison in 2009, Chism had a key pass break up late in the fourth quarter to help the Terrapins get the win, but will admit playing corner isn't always as easy as it seems.

"With corner, when you don't make the plays, most likely it's going to be a touchdown." said Chism. "It's always 50-50; you're either going to make the play or you're not. But I love the chance to make the big hits, tackles, and picks."

Coming out of high school, Chism was one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and regarded as one of the best prospects in the state of Maryland. A two-way player at Bishop McNamara High School,

Chism earned all-state honors as a senior while racking up 81 tackles, five interceptions, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also scored twice on kickoff returns and once as a punt returner, in addition to 750 receiving yards and five offensive scores.

While much of Chism's success can be attributed to his hard work on and off the field, he credits another source for attracting him to the spectacle that is college football. Cameron's brother, Carl Chism, was a safety for Texas Southern from 2005 to 2008, and a significant influence on the thenfreshman high school student.

"I was always following him, looking up to him." said Chism. "When he was in college at Texas Southern, the coach had us touring through the [Houston] Texans Stadium, so I saw all the facilities and locker rooms when I was in ninth grade. I just saw all that stuff and it just made me want to be a part of that. I've been playing football since I was about six, and going a year without it just wouldn't be right."

Playing in his final season at Maryland, Chism remains focused on achieving the one goal he has yet to accomplish in his football career. "I want to play in a championship game," said Chism. "I never did that, not even in high school, I never played in any championships. So before I leave, that's what I want to do - play in a big game like that."

The Maryland football team and the University generated a mass amount of national attention after their Labor Day showdown with Miami, some of it due to the unveiling of their new Under Armor `Maryland Pride' uniforms. Despite the buzz surrounding the program after the win, Chism remains focused on the task at hand and plans to finish off this season as strong as ever.

"I try not to worry about all the stuff outside the team and the gossip," said Chism. "We all know what we have to do, just do our job, focus on ever play, and let the plays come to us. That's what I try to do; I don't try to go out of my way I just try to do my job."

Printed in the Maryland Gameday Program - Sept. 17