Chestnut a quick study as a receiver

New Miami junior leads Butler County in receptions, receiving yards in first season on offense.

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By Jay Morrison, Staff Writer 11:08 PM Thursday, October 29, 2009

NEW MIAMI — In the New Miami football locker room, the running joke is that Casey Chestnut’s running is a joke.

“I definitely don’t have any speed,” admits Chestnut, a junior tight end who, despite his lack of wheels, leads Butler County in receptions (37) and receiving yards (614) on a team that’s just 1-8.

He started at cornerback on last year’s Vikings team that made it to the state playoffs, but this year he’s pulling double duty and playing offense for the first time in his prep career.

When asked what’s been the hardest thing to learn about playing offense, he says, “Getting open.”

“When you’re that slow, it’s hard to get open,” jokes coach Peter Parker. “But he makes some crazy catches.”

That’s because what Chestnut lacks in speed, he makes up for with precise routes and great hands.

“He’s only dropped one pass this year,” assistant coach Billy Back says. “It was on a fourth-and-goal from the 17. The pass was high, but it still hit his hands. He had it on his fingertips, but as he his hands came down it came off his chest. If it was baseball, it would’ve been ruled a hit instead of an error because it was that tough of a play.”

Chestnut — who also plays baseball for New Miami and was voted a first team All-Miami Valley Conference pitcher and shortstop last season — says he’s learned a lot from the offensive coaches this year, and he’s also benefitted from all the attention defenses give wide receiver Demonta Perry, who ranks second in the county with 31 catches for 566 yards.

“They double team him a lot and forget all about me, so a lot of times I’m wide open,” Chestnut says. “And (quarterback Jacob) Lewis always puts the ball right on the spot.”

Chestnut’s impressive numbers began before the season officially did, when he earned enough of his teammates’ votes to be chosen as one of four team captains, and the only one in the junior class.

“That says a lot about him, that they would pick him as a junior,” Parker says. “He’s done a good job of being a captain. When things aren’t always going the way you want them to go, he keeps his head up, which is hard to do in life in general when things aren’t going your way.

“I expect even more things out of him next year,” Parker continues. “He’s got a lot to live up to.”

Contact this reporter at (

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I'm so proud you!!! Keep it up. Luv you :)

favorite aunt
9:20 PM, 10/30/2009

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hey casey we are so proud of you keep up the good work and dont worry about the sleigh runners lol!! we love you ga and you know who!!!

georgia pantelis
8:04 PM, 10/30/2009

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Im sure you are a proud poppa then. Casey is a good young man. Hopefully things will turn around for the Vikes next season. Way to hang in there boys.

boo bird
8:44 AM, 10/30/2009

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i am caseys grandfather and he comes from a long family of winners and i know he can make it if he keeps pushing

lloyd carpenter
8:01 AM, 10/30/2009

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