Name: Ben Blackmon
School: East Tennessee State
Position: OL
Height:  6’3″
Weight: 305

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

For my team I set goals of winning the conference championship again and making the playoffs. I also wanted my team to have one of the best offenses in the conference. For myself I set the goals for myself of becoming a team captain, selected 1st team all-conference in the SoCon and winning the Jacobs Blocking trophy for the conference. We did not meet any of the goals I set for the team because we had a down year all together. I did meet two of my 3 personal goals as being selected as a team captain and being selected first team all-conference.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My teammates and coaches would say that I am a hardworking player on and off the field and a team first guy. They would say that I am a selfless player and willing to put what’s best for the team In front of my own wants or desires. They would also say that I am a leader by example in the way that I go about my work and take care of my business in the weight room, on the practice and game field, and in the film room. They would also say that I am a good role model for the younger players to look up to and follow.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

When I study film I focus on the small details of what I am doing to see what I can do better to improve myself and overall game as well as what I can do to make my teammates better by doing my job better. When I watch film against my opponents to prepare for a game I focus on the guys who line up in front of me trying to learn some of their tendencies, favorite pass rush moves, and how they take on certain blocks in the run game. Sometimes I like to watch film with our QB’s to learn big picture and full scheme things to see what they look at and how it can help me improve by noticing rotations and alignments from 2nd and 3rd level defenders and how it can effect what the DL do.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from other prospects at my position is my relentless work either on and off the field not just during a game or practice but in the weight room and watching film too. On the field I’m a hard worker and a finisher, a player who’s gonna play through the whistle with relentless effort and nastiness.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

During this off season I have been training preparing for a professional opportunity and pro day in Johnson City. I have been training with a few teammates who are also training for a pro opportunity with our Strength and Conditioning Staff while continuing my masters degree. During the recent Coronavirus outbreak and due to cancellations I have had to return home to SC and train with my brother here preparing for any opportunity that arises so I am ready at any time. 

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

The strengths and abilities I will bring to a team will be a relentless worker and finisher on the field and off when it comes to perfecting and honing my craft of being an offensive lineman. Someone who will do whatever I need to do to get the job done and willing to work over or make the necessary sacrifices to get the job done and done right. Off the field they will be getting a hard worker and someone that will give back to the community and not be a problem in the community as well.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

My final pitch to any team interesting in signing me is that I will be a relentless worker on and off the field doing anything I can to better myself, the unit, and my team. They would also be getting a player who doesn’t cause problems off the field and do good things within the community.