East Texas 25: No. 17 Chance Billington, OL, John Tyler

Chance Billington is a member of one of East Texas’ most accomplished football programs. John Tyler has not only succeeded over the years with wins and losses, but it has developed a sterling track record for producing elite college talent.

The Lions have produced a Heisman Trophy winner in Earl Campbell, and a Jim Thorpe Award recipient in Aaron Ross, along with countless all-conference and all-American performers.

Billington (6-3, 300), an offensive guard, is hoping to continue that legacy. He checks in at No. 17 on ETSN.fm’s East Texas 25, a list of the area’s top recruits in the 2019 class.

So far, Billington has Division I FBS scholarship offers from Iowa State, Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico State, Texas State, and Tulane.

Billington received his first offer more than a year ago, and he says the process can be difficult.

“It’s been stressful,” he said. “Everybody tells you what you wanna hear but no moves are really being made. The best part is you see who’s really trying to get at you. The worst part is worrying about if they are gonna offer. I stopped worrying about that and I just started focusing on balling. Recruiting takes care of itself.”

Billington says his strengths lie in his ability to move.

“I can get up to the second level, I can say I’m an athletic lineman,” he said. “What I must improve on in finishing blocks.”

The John Tyler lineman went on a visit to Iowa State this spring, and was overwhelmed.

“Amazing, best place ever,” Billington said of the Ames, Iowa campus. “The people, the coaches, everyone is amazing. You can tell the city is behind the university 10 toes.”

Billington said he also plans to visit Texas State, Louisiana-Monroe, and Tulane in the coming weeks. He added that he wants to commit sometime in September, around the third game of his senior season.