The chap in front (3)
I believe the answer is:
ron
'the chap' is the definition.
'in front' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'RON' is hidden in the letters of 'front'.
(Other definitions for ron that I've seen before include "L. - Hubbard, US sci-fi writer" , "Boy's name (abbr)" , "Shortened man's name" , "--- Weasley, Harry Potter pal" , "Man" .)