5 star caliber on and off the field

By Warren Lent

Photo from Scout.com

Devon Blackmon has dealt with distractions on the field his whole life, but nothing would really compare to what he tolerated during the 2009 football season. “We had our time during the season and we were going through some issues. We weren’t really focused because we had so many distractions and couldn’t maintain a consistency of winning.”

Despite the distractions looming over the program, the Summit High Skyhawks still glided to a 6-6 season in one of the best divisions in California. Devon played both wide receiver and quarterback during this past season. With a 6’1” 175 pound frame as well as impressive statistics at both positions, there were some speculations as to what position Blackmon would play in 2010. For Devon, his mind was already made up. He is a quarterback.

“I feel comfortable playing quarterback at the high school level because that’s the position I currently play and it fits well for me. I like playing it and it just feels right for me.”

Suprisingly enough, Devon admitted that he does not truly follow sports. The occasional switch to sportscenter is enough attention Devon gives to daily sports updates. Devon really does not have enough time for watching various sporting events, these days he has been receiving and giving all his attention to some of the best football programs in the country.

With offers coming in weekly from the likes of Florida, USC, and Alabama, many players at

this point in the recruiting process would not

have a solid top list of schools, but Devon possesses a strong top five, and he was able to share them with us. Cal, UCLA, Oregon, Alabama, and USC are in his coveted top five. Out of those schools, he has visited UCLA

and USC.

“Both campuses are really good, but I think

UCLA is better. It’s near Hollywood and the surroundings nearby. It’s good because I don’t

live far away; it’s only an hour away.”

Despite the appeal to a school near his house, Blackmon stated that location will most likely not matter in his final decision though.

The important aspect of playing quarterback for both Blackmon and Summit High is the constant playmaking threat. In the backfield last season, Devon ran for 406 yards and five touchdowns. He even threw for four touchdowns as well. In the fall campaign it was evident that Blackmon needed to touch the ball as much as possible to make the team successful. That playmaking ability is exactly what coaches at the next level are looking for. His raw speed and patient vision has coaches dreaming about what Devon has the potential to do heading into the collegiate level.

There is no doubt that Devon knows and loves what he is capable of on the football field.. While the interest grows from a number of programs, Devon is still focused on what needs to be done in order to redeem a mediocre season for the Skyhawks.

“Yeah I have to lay down discipline. Humble them at first and let them know, but at the same time have fun. We didn’t have fun last season, it was always stressful. Just this year we have fun, it’s our last season and we need to have fun. We don’t need to be showing off, we need to act like we’ve been there [success] before and that’s what I plan on doing next year. I don’t want myself taking all the glory, I want to give them [underclassmen] the glory too because that makes me who I am. We don’t need to learn the plays, the plays are down pat. The team needs to take care of each other if we want to be successful.”

On film, Devon’s biggest weapon is his speed and his knack for breaking away into an open spot on the field. While Blackmon believes in his skills as a player, he also has substantial faith in his proficiency as a leader.

“My best aspect is listening. If you listen more, you understand what the team needs. Instead of hollering about doing it my way, we can all put our thoughts together and evaluate the situation, then become successful. In terms of skill, I have already proven myself and I understand that I am blessed to have these gifts.”

The proof is on full display everytime the 4 star prospect steps on the field. Being one of the most courted prep players in California isn't entirely due to his football talents. He has leadership qualities that you rarely find in this stage of a players development. Sure speed and agility are always lethal combinations on the gridiron, but an amalgamation of responsibility and modesty is even more impressive to see. We are lucky enough to see a masterful combination of those qualities and more in the Summit High School product, Devon Blackmon.