Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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player said. "I would embrace it, but I'm a defensive lineman at heart. If that's what they want me to do, I can't really say no. "I definitely want to have playing time, but once I actually go up there and they look at me and see how ath- letic I am, then they'll figure out what they're going to do with me. I haven't worked out in front of them yet, but I do expect playing time." It's something the longtime Irish fan has always dreamt of, and not even an in-state offer from a fellow college football behemoth could change that. ✦ 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 separa- tion 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.