Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/145833
commitment profile: grant blankenship The coaches never said that I had to camp to earn the offer, but I wanted to show them what I could do in person. I camped and felt that I had a really good workout. They said that they were very happy with me at the end of camp, and they let me know that they all wanted me." Blankenship — a threestar recruit, the country's No. 23 strongside defensive end and the No. 71 prospect in Texas according to 247Sports — was a top target for Notre Dame co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Kerry Cooks. While Film Analysis Strengths Blankenship plays the game fast and with tremendous effort … Best attribute is his high energy level … Is the type of player that will go hard every snap and do his part in wearing down his opponent … Has an aggressive nature and attitude on the field, which usually has positive results for his defense … Displays a bevy of moves to get to the quarterback, but it all starts with his ability to use his hands to create separation from the offensive tackles and not allow them to gain any leverage on him … Athletically, there is a lot to like — he has a very quick first step, he can get up in the air to bat down passes, and he has enough speed to chase down ball carriers. Areas To Improve Has a tall, lean build that screams potential … Currently listed at 6-5 and 235 pounds, but his frame suggests that he could be 6-6 and 260 pounds by the time he gets meaningful snaps in year two at Notre Dame … Is a very hard worker in the weight room, so adding mass shouldn't be a problem … There are times when he struggles to take down ball carriers so improvement in his strength is needed … The size and strength that he will add over the next 24 months will pay off immensely. — Tom Loy