2022 NFL Draft Prospect: Reed Blankenship, S, Middle Tennessee State University | Hula Bowl Spotlight

I learned about Reed Blankenship years ago, when a good friend of mine Steve Ellis contacted me to tell me Reed was special. Steve Ellis is one of the best talent evaluators and coaches I have ever met. Players like Kevin Byard, and Charvarius Ward both flourished in the NFL after years of of playing with coach Ellis. Ellis told me years ago you better watch Blankenship and he was not lying.

We have to go back to high school where Reed was a straight baller in basketball and football for West Limestone High School, earning All-State, All-Region, All-County and All-Area and named Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.

That is pretty impressive alone, but what is more impressive is the kid ran for 3,192 yards, threw for 1,056 yards, had 1,004 yards receiving, had a total of 46 touchdowns and finished his career on defense with 295 tackles and 10 interceptions. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I would not be shocked if he can kick extra points too!

Reed Blankenship is a freaky athletic player

Reed did not skip a beat when he landed at MTSU. Blankenship has been ballin in the Conference USA since entering it as a Freshman. He was named to the C-USA All Freshman team starting in 9 games and playing in all 13. He finished fourth on the team with 68 tackles including two interceptions.

As a sophomore he played in 13 games starting 12 of them, and led the defense with 107 tackles and four interceptions. His best game was against Old Dominion when he tore them up for 17 tackles, a sack, three tackles for loss, a pick six from 100 yards out, earning ESPN’s #2 spot on the Plays of the Day. He finished his Sophomore year as a First Team All-C-USA player.

As a Junior, Reed earned Second Team ALL-C-USA, only playing in seven games. He finished the year fourth in tackles with 58 and also hauled in two interceptions. The impressive thing is he finished the season with two blocked kicks as well. Blankenship is a baller, and I expect him to shoot out the cannon in 2021. This year he has been named to the C-USA Preseason Watch List as well as the Bednarik Award Watch List. He ranks eight all-time in total tackles with 309 and is on pace to become the career leader!

Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes:

A white safety, we have not seen a great white safety in years. Eric Weddle and Harrison Smith come to mind, but neither have the athletic ability that Reed Blankenship possesses. The 6015, 196 pound safety has great ball skills, and is not afraid to hit you. He takes some of the best angles in all of college football. Reed Blankenship is a special player, and I think he will hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft. Remember this! – Damond Talbot, Director of Scouting, Hula Bowl