Where Are They Now: Jermyn Chester

For the third installment of "Where Are They Now," Jermyn Chester (OL - 1999-2003)  was gracious enough to take a little time out of his day to answer a few of my questions. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to hang out with Jermyn a few times while we were both at Clemson. My first first impression upon meeting Jermyn was "man, he's a big dude." I mean, I'm not a small guy, but Jermyn is built like a bull, with a massive chest, arms and shoulders. After talking with Jermyn for a little while, my next impression was, "man, this dude is probably smarter than me too".

Jermyn came to Clemson from Titusville, Florida, where he racked up numerous accolades in Central Florida. He was a four year starter,  two time All-District performer, an All Central-Florida selection and the District Offensive M.V.P. his senior season, all while maintaining a 3.9 G.P.A. Jermyn was a sought after prospect, but made the correct decision in selecting Clemson over Syracuse. He was red-shirted as a true freshman, and then started his first game a redshirt freshman against The Citadel in 2000 (we managed to actually beat El Cid) at guard. Jermyn's athleticism and intelligence allowed him to play multiple positions for the Tigers, playing guard, tackle, and center during his tenure with Clemson. Unfortunately, a serious knee  injury in Spring practice ended his Clemson career before his senior season, but he was a contributor during his three seasons on the offensive line.

So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Jermyn Chester.

Hey Jermyn, thanks for helping me out with this project. It's been awhile since we were in the same place, what are you up to these days?

I'm currently the Quality Assurance Manager at Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions Savannah Operations.  I've been with the company for 5 years.  I've been married to my wife Mecca for 3 years in May.  We just our first child, Audrey Madison, in March.  We have 2 dogs, Chico and Juanito.

You were a part of Tommy Bowden's first recruiting class at Clemson in 1999. Your recruitment came down to either Clemson or Syracuse. What sold you on Clemson?

It was in the south so my parents could come visit more frequently.  The engineering program was excellent.   The team was fairly young and had lost 5 really close games the year before.  I had a feeling the program was trending up.

You are probably one of the smartest people I've ever met. What did degree did you receive from Clemson?

I got a BS in Computer Engineering.

Linemen are known to drop some weight after their playing days are over. What was your top weight at Clemson, and what are you weighing in at today?

Sore subject.  I was 320 when I left.  I've gotten down to 275 twice, but I'm back up to 315.

Thinking back on your days at Clemson, what was the most satisfying victory you were a part of, and what was the most stinging defeat?

Beating GT in the 4 over times in 2001.  Losing our opener on the road at UGA in 2002.

You played almost every position on the line at Clemson, what was your preferred position?

Guard.  I hated shotgun snaps.

Do you have any advice for incoming Clemson football players?

Pace yourself.  Ease into stuff.  Take your time and enjoy the journey. It'll be over before you know.  Most of all, make sure you give your best effort in everything you do.

Do you get back to Death Valley for any games?

About one a year.

What is your prediction for the upcoming season?

They'll be right there to go back to the CFP. Their quarterback is special. If they can control turnovers and limit big plays on defense, they can go all the way.

Non-Clemson Football Questions:

Your brother was also an excellent football player. Where did he play, and what did you learn from watching him?

My brother was 15 years older than me when he was at Michigan so I didn't learn much.  The game was so different in those eras.

Your career at Clemson ended with a knee injury in the off-season. How are your knees doing today? Cedric challenged you to a race because he thinks you have bad wheels, you could still take him right?

My Knees are actually not bad. I'd probably pull my hamstring if we raced. I'm not big on stretching.

I think we can both agree that getting old is terrible. Hair refuses to grow on top of my head, but has no issue growing everywhere else, like my ears. What do you miss about not being old?

My body doesn't recover like it used to.  I get sore from working in the yard now.

Your family just gained an extra member, what is the biggest adjustment to being a new father, and how terrifying is it to think that one day you will be the father of a teenage girl?

Time management.  Every little thing takes longer when you have a baby. You always worry about your kids, but the best you can do is show them you love them and make sure you pass on your lessons learned from growing old.

Bonus Round:

I'm always looking for music recommendations, what should I be listening to that I'm probably not?

I wish I could tell you.  My music exposure is limited.  I watch awards show know and find myself say, "Who the hell is that?", more often than not.

How glad are you that social media wasn't around during your time at Clemson?

I thank God every day.  My brother and had this conversation about 2 weeks ago.

Savannah has some of the best food in the country. Where should I eat next time I'm in the Garden City?

Green Truck, Vic's on the River, The Olde Pink House, Alligator  Soul, Girabaldi's, and many many more.

I would again like to thank Jermyn for taking the time to help me out. I know how hectic life can be with a new baby. I have a few more former players lined up for this project, but am always looking for more. If you are a former player, or know a former player that might be interested in helping me out, leave a message in the comment section of the article or hit me up on twitter Drew Schneider@drewtigearlum, or email drewtigeralum@gmail.com.