Quade Chatmon has contributed for Southern Illinois as a ball carrier and a receiver. Last weekend against Indiana State, he rushed for a career-best 82 yards. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Barry Bottino
In his first college football game, Southern Illinois running back Quade Chatmon enjoyed a memory that will last a lifetime.
His first collegiate carry was an 11-yard run against Thomas More in the Salukis’ 2025 season opener.
His second carry? A bruising 3-yard touchdown run.
“Not too many people can say they scored in their first collegiate game ever,” Chatmon said. “We were down in the red zone when I got in. Right off the bat, I thought, ‘I’ve got to score.’
“We got down near the goal line, they called my number and it was an emotional high. I was able to able to drive a couple of guys back into the end zone. I was really excited. My teammates were all excited for me. It was just a great play,” he said.
This season, he’s averaging more than 5 yards a carry as an SIU reserve and has 10 receptions. His role is to do whatever he is asked, according to Chatmon.
Last weekend in SIU’s victory at Indiana State, he helped finish off the game with career highs of 13 carries and 82 yards.
Despite growing up in the Kansas City area and attending Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North High School, Chatmon’s favorite football team isn’t the Chiefs. But he has played with a current NFL player.
Learn all about Chatmon’s preferred pro football team, his love of K.C. barbecue, the best Call of Duty player at SIU and more in our weekly Moving the Chains Q&A feature.
Where have you improved most over the past year?
I know the scheme a lot more. I’m able to be confident in what I’m doing. I’ve been able to contribute in a lot of ways – getting in when I can, coming in on third downs, catching the ball, getting a first down and also closing out some games.
Last week, I was able to come in and close out the game for us.
What do those opportunities mean to you?
They mean a lot. I’ve been hungry. I’ve been waiting for them. When I get them, I’ve been able to take advantage of the opportunity.
Do you remember the first teammate who celebrated with you after the touchdown in 2025?
It was kind of a blur. Everyone was around me. It was just really cool.
There was a loud cheer that went up from one group when you scored. Who was that?
That was my family. They’re my biggest cheerleaders. They love supporting me. I’m blessed to have them.
Tell us about your family.
I have two brothers and a sister. My sister is the oldest. I’m the youngest. I’m the baby by eight years. My sister lives in Texas with my dad’s side of the family. My two brothers are still (in Kansas City). I’m actually an uncle. One of my brothers just had another baby.
Who’s the most famous graduate from your high school, Lee’s Summit North?
The most recent NFL player from there was (New York Jets offensive tackle) Armond Membou. I was actually able play with him in high school. He was a senior when I was a freshman.
We had a big watch party on draft day. We knew it was coming, but when everybody saw his name up on TV, everybody was just going crazy. We made the news that week.
With the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas City, who do you root for?
My NFL team is the Dallas Cowboys. I’m not really a Chiefs fan. I’m not really a baseball fan, and I only watch basketball here and there.
I don’t have a jersey but (my favorite Cowboy) was Ezekiel Elliott.
Do you have a high school rival that you still can’t stand?
I’d say Lee’s Summit West. Every year I was there, we gave them the business.
Do you have a favorite spot on SIU’s campus?
I’d have to say Morris Library. You can go in there, be quiet, lock in and do your work when you need to. You can eliminate distractions.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’m pretty chill. I just like to stay in my room and play a game if I’m not doing homework or playing football. I play NBA 2K, Call of Duty and Madden. My favorite right now is Call of Duty. It just came out.
Who’s the best Call of Duty player on the SIU team?
I’m going to say me. (Laughs)
If you could bring one restaurant from home to Carbondale, what would it be?
Chipotle. Around here, the closest Chipotle is 30 minutes away. Thirty minutes is pretty far when you’re really hungry. Having a Chipotle nice and close to me would be amazing.
If you bring teammates home to the Kansas City area, what are three things you have to show them?
The American Royal Rodeo (featuring some of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the U.S.). I’d definitely take them there. We have some great brunch spots I would take them to. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is pretty good also. That’s one of the major attractions for us.
Is there good barbecue outside of Kansas City?
No, there’s not. My favorite is the burnt ends. They’re amazing.
What makes K.C. barbecue so good?
I’m still trying to figure it out. I don’t even know. They cook it right.
You wear No. 26. Does that have any significance?
(Laughs) It’s just the number they threw at me. You’ve gotta make the number. All through high school, I was No. 4.
Do you have any gameday superstitions?
I don’t believe in that stuff. I just pray and trust in God.
Do you have a favorite movie you can recommend?
I’d have to say (the 2014 sci-fi/adventure film) Interstellar. Every time I watch it, it just amazes me. It goes into depth with everything. There’s even a plot twist.
If you’re having a bad day and you walk into the football facility, who’s a person who can cheer you up right away?
Our academic coordinator, Cailey Edwards. She knows how to brighten up my day.
Who’s an inspirational person in your life that you admire?
My father, Donnie. He’s a great role model. I look up to him for everything he taught me.
If you could play a different position for a day, what would you do?
A wide receiver, like Tae Marrero Jr. Receiver has always been fun to me. I hope we have a practice like that. (Laughs)
The players spend a lot of time together on and off the field. What’s your favorite activity?
We have a lake trip. We spend the night out there with almost the whole team. We have cookouts and campouts. We’ve got Jet Skis. That was actually my first time riding a Jet Ski.
What’s your favorite postgame meal?
Chick-fil-A. That’s my favorite. I have the spicy chicken deluxe sandwich, a side of fries, Polynesian sauce and a lemonade.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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