2007 NFL Draft: Justin Blalock Proves To Be Versatile Lineman

By: Jeremy White, NFLHS.com

Justin Blalock started 51 games at the University of Texas. That's a major feat at any position. At offensive tackle, where you get beat up on each and every down, the accomplishment takes on new meaning.

Then again, when you're 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, you're the one giving the beating most of the time.

Such was the case for Blalock, considered one of the finest linemen in the nation last year when he earned All-American status. He can play both tackle or guard, but says "I'm more comfortable at tackle since I spent most of my time there in college."

Versatility isn't just a word reserved for receivers and running backs. Linemen can be versatile, too, and Blalock suggests that high school blockers hoping to make it to the next level work on just that.

"You need to learn to play all the positions on the line," he recommends. "That's really important. You really make yourself an asset to your team if you can, play four or five positions along the line."

By Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

Blalock's advice should be taken seriously, he says, because the differences between the high school and college game are immense.

"The game is faster and you really have to work on time management, because your schedule with school and football will get away from you if you let it," he cautions.

How do the defensive ends differ from the ones he encountered in his varsity days at Plano East in Texas?

"They're a lot faster, stronger and a lot more adept at their moves," Blalock says. "Their hand and foot moves are more sophisticated. So you have to work extra hard to adjust to that."

Blalock played on the right side of the line at Texas and considers himself to be more polished at run blocking than pass blocking.

"That's because we did more running at Texas," he says. "I like to think I'm equally good at both, though. You definitely need to work on both."

When it comes to offering advice for high school offensive linemen, Blalock says young guys need to work in repetitions just like a quarterback practices throwing or a receiver practices making catches.

"Do your reps," he says. "Get with a defensive linemen and work on one-on-one stuff. If you play guard instead of tackle, work on your pulling."

He also suggests that players work hard in the classroom. In addition to being a football standout, Blalock is equally accomplished in the world of academia. He scored an 1120 on the SAT - in the seventh grade.

He also won his share of Science Fairs. While most kids spend their summers playing video games, he spent his at a prestigious academic camp in Tennessee.

"Don't neglect school," he says. "You won't play football forever. Then what are you going to do? You better be prepared."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.