'14 TX DE Grant Blankenship (Oklahoma Transfer)

[PANDFAN]

thought they were going to start him out at CAT?

That was what was posted before^^^^ when he committed...start there and if he puts weight on then move to line

 

[ResLife Hero]

It might just be the picture, but there's a photo of him making a tackle on 247, and he looks a lot wider than Ishaq did in high school. I could see him bulking up considerably and playing with his hand down pretty easily.

 

[Luckylucci]

Depending on what weight he comes in at he'll most likely take reps at CAT and redshirt. Ideally they believe that over a couple of years they can get him up to 280+ and he can be a 3-4 DE. This is coming from TJ at II. Recently it was mentioned that he could get a look at TE and I don't buy that.

Per BGI after speaking with his mother this last week we still aren't sure where Grant will be best suited. OLB,DE, and TE are the current options being tossed around.

 

[NDPhilly]

Kid is big. Legit 6'6". Certainly looks like a d1 player already.

Grant certainly loves his air gell haha. Also had these weird Black earrings on. Everytime I looked over to him he was taking a selfie haha.

 

[SaltyND24]

Kid is big. Legit 6'6". Certainly looks like a d1 player already.

Grant certainly loves his air gell haha. Also had these weird Black earrings on. Everytime I looked over to him he was taking a selfish haha.

Real men take selfies...but if you get caught with duck lips...man code violation

 

[aubeirish]

Real men take selfies...but if you get caught with duck lips...man code violation

Real men don't take selfies. We must have different versions of the book.

 

[Domina Nostra]

With many others, I think Grant is probably the most overlooked player in the class.

The perception that he seems pretty concerned with his appearance is probably a good thing. We need some recruits with less perspective and more interest in just looking good when people are looking at him! Jimmy Clausen-esque. (I really liked, and still like Clausen, btw)

 

[SaltyND24]

Real men don't take selfies. We must have different versions of the book.

You definitely have the Canadian version of the book...outdated I must say sir...

 

[aubeirish]

You definitely have the Canadian version of the book...outdated I must say sir...

I pity your version. Glee is probably to be blame for all that puss$ sh!t.

 

[SaltyND24]

I pity your version. Glee is probably to be blame for all that puss$ sh!t.

Hahahaha...I don't even watch glee...why so angry?

 

[aubeirish]

Hahahaha...I don't even watch glee...why so angry?

Haha, I was acting tough. Chapter 3 of the book.

 

[military_irish]

For a big man he made a nice wide open catch and had some wheels. Even though if there was another 10 to 20 yards he would have been caught.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/R4dhTT66Vgk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[nsideirish]

With Diaco's departure, I don't see any competition for the title of "Best Hair" in the program.

 

[Son of Kenmare]

With Diaco's departure, I don't see any competition for the title of "Best Hair" in the program.

I believe that Diaco listed the fact that he couldn't compete with Grant's hair as justification for his departure in his exit interview. Source withheld.

 

[irishog77]

This guy should be hired as the next QB coach, LB coach, OC, and DC.

 

[IRISHMAN]

For a big man he made a nice wide open catch and had some wheels. Even though if there was another 10 to 20 yards he would have been caught.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/R4dhTT66Vgk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

grant has some serious speed for a guy his size.

 

[PANDFAN]

91 in scouts 300

 

[tko]

can't stop soiling myself.

 

[IrishLax]

91 in scouts 300

From #54 DE to #91 overall? Moderate bump...

 

[greyhammer90]

Geez. New coach in Texas, Texas recruit gets bumped. I'm a little jumpy about our D line commits.

 

[Ironman8]

From #54 DE to #91 overall? Moderate bump...

He had moved up a while ago to #10 DE. Happened right when his senior film came out.

 

[Luckylucci]

He had moved up a while ago to #10 DE. Happened right when his senior film came out.

Have you seen his senior film? I was looking last night and maybe I was just too tired but I couldn't find it.

 

[Ironman8]

Have you seen his senior film? I was looking last night and maybe I was just too tired but I couldn't find it.

I haven't unfortunately. His highlights are private on Hudl.

 

[Luckylucci]

I haven't unfortunately. His highlights are private on Hudl.

I noticed that last night and kept looking. I probably spent 30 min. and at the end I thought I was just too dumb to figure it out, haha. Hopefully post NSD or during ND's NSD special we'll get to see his highlights. I'm excited to see how much he's improved. Definitely one of the Dlineman that I could see getting much better in a short period of time.

 

[PANDFAN]

OVERALL TRAITS
Size-Strength-Speed
Defender with very good height and adequate bulk at this stage, but has a lengthy frame that can support additional good size with further physical development. Displays very good playing strength and above average initial quickness.
Versus the Run
Demonstrates good ability to fire off low with the ability to uncoil and explode into blockers on contact. Does a good job of shooting his hands, flashing strong hands and long arms to lock out and quickly shed in time to make a play at the line of scrimmage. Demonstrates good ability to take on and hold his ground against the double team.
Pass Rush Skills
Can be an effective power rusher who can quickly get under blockers, knock them off balance and drive them back. Can extend his arms and flashes the ability to get off block when he gets to the quarterback, but needs to further develop the use of his weapons. Doesn't demonstrate great closing burst and torso flexibility to tightly shave the edge, but demonstrates a good enough combination of initial quickness and power off the ball to develop into an effective pass rusher at the next level.
Toughness/Motor
Player with good strength and a physical nature that can be seen in his play. A good, physical, wrap-up tackler.
Bottom Line
Blankenship comes across as a good, tough football player. There are some more dynamic prospects at the position, but he brings a good combo of size, strength and nastiness to develop into a good productive D-lineman at the BCS level.

 

[Ironman8]

Some senior highlights from Rivals:

Rivals Spotlight: Grant Blankenship - Rivals.com Video

LOVE this kid's upside. Could be a great DE and TE if he wanted. Reminds me of a lankier but less strong Niklas.

 

[connect the dots]

Some senior highlights from Rivals:

Rivals Spotlight: Grant Blankenship - Rivals.com Video

LOVE this kid's upside. Could be a great DE and TE if he wanted. Reminds me of a lankier but less strong Niklas.

Like Brent, Williams, and Hayes, another athlete who realized his body type and skill set translates better on a football field rather than a basketball court.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>2014 commit, Grant Blankenship had some visitors last night.

<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GoldenArmy14&src=hash">#GoldenArmy14</a> <a href="http://t.co/2wtfmVGLEu">pic.twitter.com/2wtfmVGLEu</a></p>— The Turning Point (@TheIrishTP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheIrishTP/statuses/426344446699913216">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[rtrn2glory]

man i just REALLY strongly dislike those ear rings.

if that's the worse i'll say about the kid though the next 4-5 years...i'll be happy

 

[rtrn2glory]

p.s.

look of the size of his hands....WOW.

or am i just exaggerating??