[College Sports News]

For Scott Chandler, the University of Iowa's lanky tight end from Southlake, Texas, Christmas came when the Iowa Hawkeyes were extended an invitation to play in the 2006 Alamo Bowl.

"Like all of the guys from Texas, I'm excited about the opportunity to play my final college football game in my home state," said the 6-foot-7 senior from Southlake, Texas, who played his high school football at Carroll High School.

Iowa's team leader with six touchdown receptions included among his 44 catches, also likes the opportunity available to the Hawkeyes in their sixth straight bowl game and the fact that the game will be played indoors.

"At 6-6, we probably got a much better bowl game that we deserved. We know we underachieved and a victory over Texas - a very good team that I grew up watching - would help get us back on track," said Chandler

Alamo Bowl Countdown: Scott Chandler

[College Sports News]

SAN ANTONIO -- Eating his way into the tight end position was much harder that Scott Chandler ever envisioned.

The University of Iowa tight end has bulked up by more than 40 pounds since high school after a stellar career at Southlake Carroll. And it wasn't all Twinkies and frozen custard to get there.

"I don't know if it was necessarily fun. It was tough for me to put on the weight," Chandler said. "It was definitely a lot of work to put on that weight. It wasn't anything I'd like to do again as far as all the eating."

Despite the toll of bulking up to a hulking 6-foot-7, 260-pounder, Chandler has boosted his NFL stock and become the Hawkeyes' top clutch receiver. He is currently listed as a potential NFL first-day draft selection by ESPN personnel guru Mel Kiper.

"I was open to it because it was an opportunity for more playing time, and I wouldn't have gotten as much in my sophomore year," said Chandler; who ranked second as a senior of the Hawkeyes this season with 44 receptions and led all Big Ten tight ends with six touchdown catches. "I think it's been a good move for me."

Alamo Bowl: Chandler's 'Weight Watcher's' Story