2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Melvin Blanks, RB, Gannon
- Name: Melvin Blanks
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 222 lbs.
- Position: RB
- College: Gannon University
- Twitter: igetshifty01
- Instagram: mblanks_2
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I’ve had a great overall experience here at Gannon. We have a small campus and I’ve been able to build tons of relationships. I am majoring in Business. I am also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I have balance as a back and can be used as a utility type player. I’m an all-around back that can catch and run the ball.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I have a big role on my team. I am a vocal and emotional leader for our team. I get a lot of touches. I carry the ball out of the backfield as well as take part in the passing game. I see myself as a 4-down back that never comes off the field. Our offense can be very electric. We spread the ball around where a lot of guys can make plays. I had a few kick returns as a freshman, but haven’t done that in a while because of my role on offense.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
One of the best defensive players that I have faced is definitely Deshawn McCarthy out of East Stroudsburg. He’s a dog and can cause problems. He’s able to make plays almost anytime he wants.
QB Tyson Bagent from Shepherd is the best football player that I have seen. He conducted his offense very well last season and won the Harlon Hill Trophy.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Marcus Jones was the All-American RB when I first came here. He was an unreal back who taught me a lot. He made excellent plays in every aspect of the game and was truly impressive.
DE Nick White came in with me as a freshman. I’ve seen him develop, putting on a lot of muscle and being a dominant player. I expect him to open many eyes this season.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My biggest challenge had to be when I was injured. I didn’t have an injury in high school and dealt with it early on at Gannon. I had back-to-back seasons where I suffered high ankle sprains. During the 2019 season, I ended up playing, but I was far from the best that I knew I could be. I felt like I let my team down. In hindsight, it might have been better that I didn’t play. I needed to put the team first and focus on getting healthy. So, I prepared my body and focused on the details so that I could avoid injuries in the future. That struggle motivated me going into this past season where I had the best year of my career.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Either basketball or baseball. Baseball was my first sport, but I stopped playing before I got to high school. I played some basketball in high school but stopped my 10th grade year so that I could focus on football
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of my growth as a player and a teammate. My biggest achievements have been being named First Team All-Conference as well as Honorable All-American. Two goals that I gave for this season is winning a conference championship and being a consensus All-American.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my best moments happened this past season against IUP. In the 4th quarter, I ran a wheel route and Kory Curtis threw a dime. I caught a 31-yard touchdown pass. My best game was against Edinboro last year where I ran for 239 yards.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
One of my favorite athletes is Odell Beckham. I’m a Steelers fan and try to model myself after how Le’Veon Bell was in his prime.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Baby is my favorite artist. His song “Frozen” is one of my go-to songs before games.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken Tenders.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Paid in Full. Martin and Snowfall are some of my favorite TV shows.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?|
In my spare time, I like to give back to the community. I hope to set up a football camp in Pittsburgh this summer.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Football has taught me a lot. About discipline, being part of a team and being unselfish. I am the man I am today because of football. My family is my motivation. I want to be able to make an impact in my family and my community.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.