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Originally Posted by Dan Lueders
Blake was recently named to the ESPNU-150 national watch list for the class of 2010. There are about 300 kids on that list nationwide. Blake was awarded MVP of the National Underclassmen Combine (NUC) in Indianapolis last May. As can be verified on their website, his 40 yard dash time was 4.79 seconds, his pro-agility (short shuttle) time was 4.3 seconds, and his height, barefoot, is a true 6'5".
At the end of his sophomore year in APC class in school (Advanced Physical Conditioning) his max bench press was 310 lbs, his max squat was 430 lbs, and his max power clean was 265 lbs. He and his team lifted hard this summer and fall, and although he has not yet tested again, we anticipate significant gains in each.
He started each game as varsity fullback his freshmen and sophomore years for Zionsville (class 4A). It plays in the HCC conference where 8 of 9 regulars season opponents are class 5A schools, including great programs like Hamilton Southeastern, Lafayette Jeff, Avon and others. Zionsville's base offense is an I-formation. At fullback in that scheme his primary responsibility was lead blocking, primarily for an excellent tailback, Carson Cramer. Thus, looking at box scores you will not find gaudy rushing statistics for Blake. He has, however, posted 13 touchdowns as an underclassman.
Blake's agility, footwork and hands have be helped by playing basketball both for the high school and the AAU basketball club, Indiana Elite.
Perhaps the greatest compliment that Blake has received was the early offer from Coach Jim Harbaugh at Stanford. Coach Harbaugh's football knowledge and pedigree are impeccable, being third in Heisman trophy balloting, the first round draft pick of the Bears, and on a very short list of those on the Colts' ring of fame at the RCA domes and Lucas field. Stanford is building an impressive program, and their 2009 recruiting class is current ranked as the 11th best football recruiting class in the nation by scout.com.
Blake is being recruited as, and is interested in playing either defensive end or tight end in college.
Finally, while you cannot measure it on a weight scale, Blake has been the fortunate beneficiary of excellent coaching in high school (and before). Head coach Larry McWhorter (a state championship coach) and his staff are great at teaching technique, reads and fundamentals. More importantly, they instill a great work ethic and moral compass. Blake would not be where he is without them.
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