Sat out of game action last season per NCAA transfer regulations after coming to Appalachian State following two years at rival Western Carolina … will compete for playing time at inside linebacker in Appalachian’s new 3-4 scheme … goes into fall camp listed as the top backup behind redshirt freshman John Law at one of the ILB positions.

2012: Sat out of game action due to NCAA transfer regulations … participated in practice … did not use a season of eligibility.

Previous College: Played two seasons at Western Carolina … saw action in all 22 games during his two seasons at WCU, primarily on special teams … played fullback as a freshman before converting to linebacker as a sophomore … made 11 tackles as a sophomore … fielded three kickoffs as an upback, including a 16-yard return vs. Georgia Southern as a freshman and a 12-yarder against The Citadel as a sophomore.

High School: Four-year letterwinner at Tuscola H.S. … named Appalachian Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … earned all-conference and all-Western Carolina honors as a junior and senior … three-time all-county selection … recorded 335 tackles, 18 sacks and four interceptions during his prep career … coached by Donnie Kiefer … high-school teammate of current Appalachian State teammate Graham Fisher.

Personal: Full name is John Austin Chambers … born Aug. 20, 1991 (turns 22 during season) … son of Jill and Scott Chambers … youngest of three children in his family (one brother, one sister) … majoring in physical education … member of Appalachian State athletics’ academic honor roll.