Former Rummel star Chandler Fields ready to show ability as Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback

The concept of remaining patient is one which I struggle with daily. Patience, indeed, is a great virtue and a great struggle to observe.

Chandler Fields has learned that virtue quite well at the University of Louisiana.

Now in his fourth year as a redshirt sophomore, Fields finally gets his chance as the starting quarterback of the Ragin’ Cajuns when they open their 2022 season at home against Southeastern Louisiana Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Cajun Field.

Fields had to watch and wait as Levi Lewis held the starting position over a four-year period of great success for the Cajuns.

Fields logged limited playing time over three seasons behind Lewis, completing 12 of 22 passes for 122 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

While he is not the runner that Lewis was, Fields has deceptively good speed and can both extend plays and make plays running the ball.

Fields, who burst on the scene as a freshman at Holy Cross, producing a game-winning touchdown against rival Jesuit in a 28-21 overtime thriller in 2015.

Fields then transferred to Archbishop Rummel, where I was fortunate to do several of his games.

With the Raiders, Fields was an excellent dual-threat quarterback.

In 2017, Fields had a 309 yard passing game with four touchdowns against Teurlings Catholic, completing 25 of 32 attempts.

Fields had a five touchdown passing performance in the 2017 state playoffs in a victory at Byrd.

In all, Fields had three games with four touchdown passes with the Raiders.

Fields set the single school record with 2,359 passing yards in 2017.He also set the school record with 30 touchdown passe in 2017.

Fields ranks third all-time in passing yards (3,710) in Rummel history, despite playing just two seasons with the Raiders.

Fields was coached by legendary Raider coach Jay Roth, now the athletic director at his alma mater.

“Chandler was a great player for us,” Roth said. “He had a strong arm and can really run. What I am most proud of Chandler of is that in this day in the transfer portal, he stuck it out, learned behind Levi, took on all the challenges, took on the competition and won the job. I am very proud of him.”

Roth is not surprised that Fields is starting for an excellent program and sees even better things for his pupil.

“I felt like Chandler had not peaked when he left Rummel,” Roth said. “His best football is in front of him. Chandler got better from the day that walked on campus. He has a quick release. He has everything you want in a player.”

Roth is certain that Fields has the necessities to run Cajuns offense and to assume the massive responsibility associated with it.

“Chandler was a leader by example at Rummel,” Roth said. “He always worked on his passing game after practice. There was no harder worker in the weight room. We virtually had to kick him out of there.”

Roth was fortunate to coach may standout quarterbacks, including Daris Wilson, Josh Tolbert, Scott Buisson, Damian Williams, Chase Fourcade and Fields with most having excellent success at the college level.

“It’s truly exciting to me on a personal level to see them all move on and play at the next level since I coached offense and quarterbacks, “Roth said. “Chandler is the last guy I had to put my football touches on. I am very excited to see him get this chance. He really deserves it.”

Fields has waited patiently for his chance in Lafayette.

Now, Fields looks to use the entire field with his fine arm and speed to show Louisiana fans that the wait was worth it.