The quarterback-receiver duo went on a recruiting visit to Jacksonville State University this weekend, and both have decided to commit to the Gamecocks. Both players made their decisions on Friday.
"Jacksonville State has been there right from the start recruting us," Blanchard said. "We both wanted to stay close to home, so I think it's a good decision by both of us.
"I'm ready to get started. I think they'll definitely use me and Gabe to our fullest potential. I want to help them win a national championship."
Blanchard's commitment is for the dual role of football and baseball. He said Gamecock football coach Jack Crowe and JSU baseball coach Jim Case said they would work with him to make sure he can play both sports.
Blanchard does have blood ties to the school. His father, Fran Blanchard, was a standout receiver with the Gamecocks in the 1980s.
The younger Blanchard said his father is proud he chose to become a member of the Gamecock family.
"He was so excited when I told him, he was about to cry," Blanchard said. "He wanted me to go there from the start. He walked on there, so I've got it a lot easier than he did that's for sure."
In guiding the Warrior football team to its first-ever state championship and a 15-0 season in 2009, Blanchard threw for 2,916 yards with 35 touchdowns and rushed for 1,161 yards with 20 scores.
For his career, Blanchard set the school’s all-time passing mark with 6,948 yards and 75 touchdowns. He also rushed for 2,381 career yards and 38 TDs.
Blanchard was recently selected as the Alabama Sportswriters Association Class 4A Back of the Year, and is in the running for the ASWA's Mr. Football award, which will be announced on Jan. 20 in Birmingham.
Primarily a shortstop for the Warrior baseball team in 2009, Blanchard batted .389 last season. During the summer, Blanchard attended several premier baseball camps in the Southeast and had workout camps with several Major League Baseball scouts in attendance.
Blanchard has had a slew of athletic offers from several Division I schools, including one to play baseball at Alabama and a chance to walk-on with the football team.
He committed back in the summer to play baseball at Mississippi State, but later de-committed during the early signing period.
"It's going to be tough," Blanchard said of the prospect of playing two collegiate sports. "I've played three sports in high school for a long time, and I've managed my time and school well. I know college is a lot different and it will be harder, but I'm already a little used to it. I'll just have to go down there and see what happens."
Like Blanchard, Chambers said he "felt at home" during his recruiting visit this weekend. He said he knows a lot of the Gamecock football players through his cousin, former JSU receiver and special teams player Maurice Dupree.
Chambers de-committed to Arkansas State on Friday. He said it was a tough decision for him to make, but the opportunity to play close to home, and to continue playing with Blanchard, was too good to pass up.
"We've been together for so long, so why separate?," Chambers said. "It's not how big the college is you play for. You've got to have the love for the college you play for, the people, and have a passion for the game. That's why I chose JSU."
Like they utilized Dupree, Chambers said the Gamecocks plan to use his speed and talent in the special teams and receiving areas.
Chambers led the Warriors in receiving last season with 71 catches for 1,181 yards and 16 touchdowns.
As a kick returner, Chambers had 17 returns for 417 yards and two scores. He also rushed for 272 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns.
"It was amazing to sit down with all the (JSU) coaches," Chambers said. "They told me it was kind of hard for them to find just one place to put me, so they want to play me on special teams. They also told me I could play some at slot receiver.
"That's what I wanted. Arkansas State just wanted me to be only a receiver. I talked with my family about it, and I feel comfortable with my decision. I wanted to stay close to home and get to the next level. Hopefully I can help them win a national championship."
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