'14 TX DE Grant Blankenship (Oklahoma Transfer)

[Brooklyn]

I said this before, but Jhonny Williams, athletically and size wise is very similar to Grant. Grant is further along in his development than Jhonny but its pretty amazing how similar their games are to me.

Agree that Grant is a DE. If any DE moves to TE, Jacob Matuska should be the person. I think thats his best position.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I really want him at DE but the last time Kelly made a switch like this it definitely worked out well. If Kelly and Denbrock are true to there word and play faster that'll probably mean less 12 personnel. With Smythe and Weishar I think we're fine at TE for the long run.

And Heurman god damn it...Heurman! Has big play potential at h-back and split out wide.

 

[NDPhilly]

Blankenship and Trumbetti are our 2 future starters at DE IMO.

 

[aubeirish]

We can also add Luatua in to this conversation. I mean he has the potential to become something special too. He is a pretty darn good athlete. We have to feel good about the position. Lots of talent there.

 

[Crazy Balki]

You could've told me that was a picture from his junior or senior year and I wouldn't have been surprised.

The Hair would disagree.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

We can also add Luatua in to this conversation. I mean he has the potential to become something special too. He is a pretty darn good athlete. We have to feel good about the position. Lots of talent there.

Agree. I think leaving Grant and Matuska on the dline is the best move.

 

[Pachuco]

But the real thing to discuss is, with BVG's system, Grant and Jhonny are the cornerstones. They will prosper under his defensive system. Ishaq will this year, and my end up a first round pick next year as a result of it, but then it will be the twin towers!

I really hope to see marked improvement this year out of Ishaq.

I've always had a sense of loyalty to this guy since his commitment, and wanting to see him succeed.

It's make or break time, and I think he can do it!

As for Blankenship, what a steal... Hope to see big things from him as well.

 

[Luckylucci]

And Heurman god damn it...Heurman! Has big play potential at h-back and split out wide.

I do tend leave out MH, I just don't think he has the upside that Smythe does. I'd like to see him gets some run time.

 

[Ironman8]

I hope Grant stays at DE for a number of reasons:

1) His massive upside as a DE
2) His preference to stay at DE, and his demeanor to match
3) The depth we have accumulated at TE vs. DE
4) The ease for ND to recruit and reload at TE vs. at DE

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I do tend leave out MH, I just don't think he has the upside that Smythe does. I'd like to see him gets some run time.

I think Smythe is clearly and will be the better all around TE. But Mike could be Aaron Hernandez in the pass game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stlnd01]

I think Smythe is clearly and will be the better all around TE. But Mike could be Aaron Hernandez in the pass game.

If Mike can run the seam route like his brother at Ohio State he'll make some plays for us.

 

[NDhoosier]

He is a defensive end. That is it, not a tight end. Grant will never play tight end at ND.

That is the new fad on ND websites, especially on IE. Every player we recruit will not only switch positions, they will switch from defensive to offensive or the other way around. I think every DL and LB has been predicted to TE this year...

The ONLY player that should switch sides is Luatua.

 

[stlnd01]

That is the new fad on ND websites, especially on IE. Every player we recruit will not only switch positions, they will switch from defensive to offensive or the other way around. I think every DL and LB has been predicted to TE this year...

The ONLY player that should switch sides is Luatua.

I think Justin Brent would make a beast of a strong safety. And Kolin Hill should play running back.

 

[Rack Em]

Blankenship and Trumbetti are our 2 future starters at DE IMO.

2 white guys for DEs? We're really imitating Stanford now.

 

[ACamp1900]

2 white guys for DEs? We're really imitating Stanford now.

Or Yale....

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Blankenship and Trumbetti are our 2 future starters at DE IMO.

Specifically, I want to comment on this with you. I agree. Both of them will start. Jhonny Williams will, too. 6'6" plus and a 4.5 40? He will start in the NFL if he does all the right things. In fact I believe between Bonner, Williams, Blankenship, and Trumbetti, we have four guys that will start 2+ years and excel in BVG's system.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>WHY IS BEEF SO ENTERTAINING</p>— Grant Blankenship (@GrantMostdope) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantMostdope/statuses/436549119327219713">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Brah just says it like it is

 

[NDdomer2]

Irish A-to-Z: Grant Blankenship | Inside the Irish

Article mentions him showing up for camp at 6'6" 280. He was listed as 6'5" 235 when profile was created.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Like Troy Niklas, this guy is 100%, pure football.

 

[Irish#1]

Irish A-to-Z: Grant Blankenship | Inside the Irish

Article mentions him showing up for camp at 6'6" 280. He was listed as 6'5" 235 when profile was created.

I hope those are good pounds he put on! That's a lot of weight in such a short time. lol

 

[dublinirish]

Like Troy Niklas, this guy is 100%, pure football.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'm sorry I just can't do highschool anymore</p>— Grant Blankenship (@GrantMostdope) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantMostdope/statuses/465893414555619328">May 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His twitter is gold, kid reminds of Gronk more than Troy

 

[Bogtrotter07]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'm sorry I just can't do highschool anymore</p>— Grant Blankenship (@GrantMostdope) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantMostdope/statuses/465893414555619328">May 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His twitter is gold, kid reminds of Gronk more than Troy

I don't see a comparison (except height) between Grant and Troy. At least I hope there isn't!

 

[Domina Nostra]

I don't see a comparison (except height) between Grant and Troy. At least I hope there isn't!

Well, I think they are both huge and pretty darn athletic, but that wasn't my point...

My point is that there are some guys I worry about getting distracted (Golson/Nix)...
... some guys I worry just aren't that into it (Jonas Gray)...
... some guys who don't seem to me to love the pain and/or competition (D. Daniels*)...
... some guys who seem to me a touch high strung (Hounshell)
... and some guys I worry about getting into trouble (Lynch/Zibby)...

And then there are some guys who seem like they were born for the football field (and the weight room) and you never doubt for a second that they are going to love every minute of practice, lifting, Camp Kelly, trying on helmets, etc., etc....

I got that vibe with Niklas and I get that vibe with Blankenship (as different as they may be as people).

* I think he has grown out of that.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Well, I think they are both huge and pretty darn athletic, but that wasn't my point...

My point is that there are some guys I worry about getting distracted (Golson)...
... some guys I worry just aren't that into it (Jonas Gray)...
... some guys who don't seem to me to love the pain and/or competition (D. Daniels*)...
... some guys who seem to me a touch high strung (Hounshell)
... and some guys I worry about getting into trouble (Lynch)...

And then there are some guys who seem like they were born for the football field (and the weight room) and you never doubt for a second that they are going to love every minute of practice, lifting, Camp Kelly, trying on helmets, etc., etc....

I got that vibe with Niklas and I get that vibe with Blankenship (as different as they may be as people).

* I think he has grown out of that.

I understand your point and respect your opinion but I disagree.

Troy in the weight room? 100%! But if Troy didn't have god like physical and athletic attributes, I believe his distractions with extra-circulars would have gotten the best of him. Ever wonder about the concussions that ended up to be migraines, that went away entirely, that the NFL was not even worried about?

 

[Rhode Irish]

I don't see a comparison (except height) between Grant and Troy. At least I hope there isn't!

Why?

 

[Domina Nostra]

I understand your point and respect your opinion but I disagree.

Troy in the weight room? 100%! But if Troy didn't have god like physical and athletic attributes, I believe his distractions with extra-circulars would have gotten the best of him. Ever wonder about the concussions that ended up to be migraines, that went away entirely, that the NFL was not even worried about?

Interesting. Are you saying Troy was not "all in"?

 

[yankeeND]

I see some merit in the argument about extra curricular activity, but I still think Troy loves football and his teammates. I think Kelly's dismay at Troy's entering the draft speaks volumes here though. Whether he was all in or not, the effort he put forth was enough to be very productive.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I don't see a comparison (except height) between Grant and Troy. At least I hope there isn't!

Why do you hope there isn't? I really hope he's a contributor like Troy was. Troy was one of the biggest and most athletic players we had last year. If Blankenship produces enough to be a 2nd round player after 3 years, I'll be very happy (despite the hope that all of our players will stay 4 years).

 

[Wild Bill]

I don't see a comparison (except height) between Grant and Troy. At least I hope there isn't!

Troy in the weight room? 100%! But if Troy didn't have god like physical and athletic attributes, I believe his distractions with extra-circulars would have gotten the best of him. Ever wonder about the concussions that ended up to be migraines, that went away entirely, that the NFL was not even worried about?

Interesting. Are you saying Troy was not "all in"?

Let's put Troy's career in perspective. We brought him in from Cali and he played three years. Given our recent history with Cali kids, I'd say that's a win.

Freshman year he was "all in" enough to learn the defense, play meaningful reps, and I believe he started a game or two.

Sophomore year he was "all in" enough to change positions b/c the coaches wanted him to back up an all american tight end. We heard no bitching or whining - the kid switched, learned the position within a year and played meaningful minutes. Contributes as a blocking tight end, one of the most selfless positions on the field.

His Junior year he absolutely destroyed everyone in front of him. I can't say I watched him every rep, but I can say I never saw him take a play off. Ever.

Let's be honest, everyone on the two deep has god given physical attributes and athleticism. Troy is no different. I hope we're cursed enough to get 85 players just like Troy.

 

[Irish Man3]

Let's put Troy's career in perspective. We brought him in from Cali and he played three years. Given our recent history with Cali kids, I'd say that's a win.

Freshman year he was "all in" enough to learn the defense, play meaningful reps, and I believe he started a game or two.

Sophomore year he was "all in" enough to change positions b/c the coaches wanted him to back up an all american tight end. We heard no bitching or whining - the kid switched, learned the position within a year and played meaningful minutes. Contributes as a blocking tight end, one of the most selfless positions on the field.

His Junior year he absolutely destroyed everyone in front of him. I can't say I watched him every rep, but I can say I never saw him take a play off. Ever.

Let's be honest, everyone on the two deep has god given physical attributes and athleticism. Troy is no different. I hope we're cursed enough to get 85 players just like Troy.

Very good post. I dont understand the Niklas critics here. The guy was a stud. Great measurables and a great attitude. Oh yea, and he was a very talented football player. I'll take 85 of those.