On The Plains with Ronan Chambers: ‘Bigger than yourself’

AUBURN, Ala. – Transfer tackle Ronan Chambers might have just started classes at Auburn during the latest round of summer school, but Jordan-Hare Stadium already holds a prominent place in his life.

“My first-ever college game was here at Jordan-Hare, back in 2021,” the offensive lineman, a graduate transfer from Akron, remembered with a smile. “It was my first college game and to play it here – the atmosphere was incredible. 

“I played the entire second half that game, which was an eye opener as a true freshman. To play against Auburn and to witness that environment and now I’m playing here – having the opportunity to be a part of it was something I couldn’t pass up.”

Auburn was a 60-10 winner over the Zips in that 2021 season opener, not only gaining the win, but impressing a player for the future. 

Chambers, who grew up in Olmstead Falls, Ohio, and attended storied St. Edward High School in Cleveland, says that great first impression of Auburn has expanded exponentially during the past few months. 

“I have my degree from Akron, and I hit the transfer portal,” Chambers explained. “What I was looking for in my next school was an opportunity to be a part of a great football culture, and Auburn is top of the line when it comes to that. 

“And, of course, I wanted to try playing in the SEC. Everyone’s dream is to play in the SEC because it’s the best conference in college football. When this level of football was presented to me, it was a no-brainer to pursue it, and then, when I came down to Auburn, it was just unbelievable.”

Chambers, along with his dad and brother, made a visit to campus in May and found his decision would be an easy one. 

“School had just let out and I came down with my dad and my brother to check Auburn out,” he said. “(Offensive line) Coach (Jake) Thornton and the whole staff was here, and everybody was helpful and cool.

“I felt right away what they mean by ‘Welcome to the Auburn Family.’ Everyone makes you feel welcome here and the Auburn Family is strong. You can feel that. Everyone supports you and everyone treats you great. It’s been awesome. 

“Everything I’ve gotten to experience here so far has been top of the line. The people here are great, my teammates are awesome – it’s been a very good transition.”

Chambers has a love for the game of football honed by growing up in a sports-minded family as the fourth of five siblings. 

“I come from a big family. My older brothers (Danny and Emmett) played high school and college basketball at the Division III level, and I was always just bigger than them. They were taller, but I was always bigger and thicker, and I thought football was meant for me. I played basketball and football in high school but took football a little more seriously and thought I would have the opportunity to play at the next level. 

“Our family’s competitive. They all play sports. My two sisters (Fiona and Bridget) also played sports in high school. And they are all excited to come and check out the Auburn games. My mom and dad will probably be there every week.”

 

Chambers looks at his football teammates as a big family as well, especially along the offensive line. 

“What I especially love about football is being part of something bigger than yourself,” Chambers explained. “Especially playing the o-line where you can’t do it just yourself. You’ve got to rely on the teammates next to you to get the job done. 

“It’s not a fame position. You only get recognized when things go well, so I take pride in that. When we’re doing our job, the team usually has a lot of success, and that’s something I really believe in.”

The offensive tackle, who made 18 starts at Akron, said he would likely play on the right side because “there’s a need there.” 

“I played left and right tackle based on the need at Akron,” Chambers said. “Last year, I bounced around a lot. I have experience at both positions, so I know what to do, and I have experience playing against teams at this level and in this league.” 

Football figures into his future plans as well. 

“I want to play in the NFL – that’s a dream and hopefully a reality,” said the tackle, who has a love for all Cleveland pro sports (“Browns, Guardians, Cavs – I’m a huge fan!”). “Being at a place like Auburn, you have every opportunity to go do that. If the NFL’s not in my future, I’ll do something in business and financial management.

“I got my bachelor’s degree in financial management. I’ve always had an interest in business and wanted to specialize in finance,” explained Chambers, an academic all-Mid-American Conference honoree. “Here I’ll do a master’s of finance or a certificate route to continue down that path. Our family is business-oriented. My mom works for Cleveland Clinic, running the stroke program at one of the west-side hospitals, and my dad is the third generation in our family business of funeral homes in Cleveland.”

What’s Chambers most looking forward to when Kickoff on the Plains hits in August? 

“Definitely the Auburn fanbase,” he said. “Coming from the G5 level, you don’t really get to experience that type of excitement around the team from so many fans. I’m eager to see the Tiger Walk and all of that stuff other guys have told me about.

“The road games we have this year are something I’m really looking forward to. Playing at Georgia will be awesome. I played at Kentucky last year. Playing at Missouri and then in the Iron Bowl – that’s something not many players get to do.

“Just being part of a football culture like Auburn is really something special and something I hoped to find.”

Chambers has already got an important part of the learning curve of becoming a Tiger mastered. 

“People are hitting me with ‘War Eagle’ all the time and I’m starting to get more automatic at saying it back. When I was on my visit, people were saying it. Leaving here, people in the airport were saying ‘War Eagle.’ 

“It’s just cool to hear, and I’m starting to say it, too, which is awesome. I’m so glad to be here.”