Source: Main Street Preps Nashville, Author: Russell Vannozzi
Nolensville wide receiver Chance Fitzgerald had a simple routine this offseason with a clear goal in mind.
There was little time for distractions.
"Just work – that's pretty much all I do," Fitzgerald said after a 49-21 win over Rockvale on Sept. 23. "Speed, hands, weight room and all that every day. We're always doing something to make us better for these (Friday) nights."
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior is reaping the benefits of those extra workouts.
Through six games – all Nolensville wins – Fitzgerald leads the team with 35 receptions for 624 yards and eight touchdowns. He's on pace to eclipse his 2021 production of 55 catches, 731 yards and 12 scores soon.
"I think he's taken his game to the next level," Nolensville coach Paul Derrick said. "He's always had great ball skills, but he's playing physical, running angry after the catch and fighting for more yards if he catches a short route. He's trying to take it the distance every time he gets the ball in his hands."
Big plays have become routine for Fitzgerald, who's averaging nearly 18 yards per catch. He showcased his speed by taking a screen pass from quarterback Coby Walton and bolting 72 yards to the end zone in the season opener at Battle Ground Academy.
"His speed is top-end," Derrick said. "When he gets stretched out, he's a lot faster than he was last year. He's really improved his game in all areas."
College coaches have noticed.
Fitzgerald, a three-star prospect according to the 247Sports Composite, picked up offers from Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Jacksonville State and Ohio this month. His collection already included Buffalo, Central Michigan, Kentucky and Liberty, among others.
But Fitzgerald insisted his focus is "on my team and trying to win a state championship" for now. His mere presence on the outside draws attention from defenses, opening opportunities for running back Samson Johnson, wide receiver Dylan Northcutt and other playmakers.
The high-powered Knights are putting up 40.5 points per game.
"It's really hard (for defenses)," Fitzgerald said. "Let's say me or Dylan just scored. They still have to (worry about) Samson. You can cover two of us, but you can't get all three of us. And for a full game? Definitely not."
Rockvale opted to take away the big-play threat by staying in front of Fitzgerald. He still managed 12 receptions for 101 yards and a TD, mostly on underneath routes.
Fitzgerald's close connection with Walton, who announced his commitment to Georgia Southern on Wednesday, helps when defenses try to neutralize the passing game.
"I know everything Coby's going to do before he does it, and he knows everything about me," Fitzgerald said. "That comes from us working together every day for the last two years. Whether that's calling each other, watching videos – we do anything we can to get right on the field."
Derrick is hoping to see even more explosive plays from Fitzgerald down the stretch run of Region 6-5A play, which includes a home date with Page (6-0) on Oct. 7.
"I think he can continue to work and get better," Derrick said. "Hopefully he can keep taking his game to the next level as we go further into the season."