High School Football Spotlight: Holden Blankenship

This is a young man who stepped away from the game for a few years but came back this past season and played a major part in his team’s success. He is one of the better blockers at his position that I have seen on film or in person. The kid can do it all on the field. He, as I already mentioned blocks well, catches the ball with ease, and another thing that stuck out to me was his uncanny ability to turn upfield as fast as he does. His love for baseball should not keep college coaches away from at least watching him.

1) You play three sports and from what I have gathered you do all three very well. So, which is your favorite and why?

I enjoy all three. If I had to pick a single sport it would probably be baseball. Baseball has been my favorite since I was little.

2) Jackson plays in an area of the state that seems to get overlooked by many. So, when playing a team from out of the area do you or the team come in with the chip on your shoulder?

Maybe a little bit. We look at every opponent as an opponent that we can beat. Even if they are an out of the area team. Playing in D3 region 11 has given Jackson major opportunities to beat very good football teams.

3) In watching film on you, you are very versatile. You catch the ball well, your run in as well as you catch it, my favorite part of your game is the way you block. Does being as well rounded as you are come from playing so many different sports?

Sure. Playing multiple sports has definitely helped me in many ways.

4) Which team do you like beating the most?

We like to beat everyone but I think everyone from Jackson can agree that beating Wheelersburg is separated from other W’s.

5)Do you plan on playing ball in college. If so, which sport and can you tell us a few places that you have spoken to?

I would like to play baseball in college if things lead that way. I have heard from a few schools over the summer. Mostly D3 schools such as Wittenberg. However, D3 college baseball in Ohio is as good as D3 gets.

6) What was the best advice ever given to you as far as sports goes and who gave it to you?

One of my summer baseball coaches gave me a speech when I was younger and the few words I continue to think about is to never be satisfied. If you hit satisfaction then what more is there to work for?

7) What is the one thing that makes playing at Jackson so special?

Jackson sports have always been top programs around, especially football. Playing for Jackson is special because of the people that are involved. I’ve had great coaches in every sport and I am very grateful. The thing that every kid that has played for Jackson can agree on is the amount of community support we receive. It’s awesome.

8) What was the best win you ever had in football?

This past fall has been the first year I have played football since the 8th grade, so I have not had the chance to celebrate many big wins at the high school level yet, but the come from behind win against Miami Trace this year would probably be the best win.

9)Which game was the toughest defeat to take as far as football goes?

We took two tough losses this year to Chillicothe and Tri-Valley. If I had to pick a game that I struggled with the most it would probably be the Chillicothe game.

10- Offense, defense, or special teams. Which one do you think you are the best at.

I believe the offensive side of the ball is where I make the most impact. I love playing DB and being on the kickoff team at Alumni Stadium is a feeling like no other.

2020- 1st Team All-FAC

Holden Blankenship-Jackson High School- Position: WR

Twitter handle- @_holden_11

Hudl link

https://www.hudl.com/profile/12284593/Holden-Blankenship