By Eddie Calvert
Evan Blankenship is hoping (along with the rest of Buckeye nation), to continue the rich and deep tradition of great O-Linemen to do battle in the trenches of the Shoe. Time will tell, but some of the initial prognosticators look good.
The offensive line is a more complex position than most realize, especially from the outside looking in, and it all appears to be a game of beat your opponent down. Let’s not be mistaken here, it is often just a matter of that, brute force and will. Coming in at 6’3 and somewhere in the range of 300 to 310 proven pounds, the brute force appears to be covered. Yes, he can throw some iron around in the weight-room too.
The scouting reports are indicating that this young Ohio State hopeful has the will to go with the strength, as one of his attributes is that of aggressiveness. This well touted prospect from West P.A. is used to winning as well, which is another possible factor in determining if his will to win is of Buckeye quality as his Center High team posted a 10-2 record last year.
Evan could be stronger from the waist up, but that is one of the things that the Tressel team does best, develop talent, and the raw material appears to be there.
Now, about that more complex stuff, dive plays, pulling, off tackle down blocking, sealing defenders and a myriad of other must-know jobs are necessary responsibilities for offensive linemen. If a play is designed to hit the “3” hole, and it is led by a pulling guard to kick out a linebacker, well a lineman who hasn’t a clue means a play with no chance of success.
So now we wonder if this talent has the speed, the feet and the smarts? Again, prognostications are positive.
A 3.0 G.P.A., a good forty time (4.5 is the best he’s run according to some stats), and some experience on the basketball court should be hope that he isn’t too slow of foot. He isn’t the most highly rated linemen in the country, or even in his state, but good enough to earn 1st team all conference honors in a tradition rich football state like our own, rated well enough that the team up north as well as Joe Pa’s own were knocking to mention a few…and I see a great upside.
Welcome to The Ohio State University Mr. Blankenship, we expect great things from you, and you can expect great things from us, may the great tradition of the offensive line here in Buckeye country continue, and may you be another in that legacy.