After being moved to safety last spring due to being slightly undersized as a linebacker, Morice Blackwell is now back at the linebacker spot for the Longhorns.
On3 recently stated Blackwell has worked extremely hard this offseason even drawing praise from head coach Steve Sarkisian. It was also revealed that he is playing heavier than his listed weight of 208 pounds. Sarkisian raved about his versatility and the effort level he brings to the table.
“He’s a heck of a player,” Sarkisian said. “I love the competitive nature of Mo. We asked a lot of him as a true freshman on special teams. He plays violent. He plays tough. I think he plays the way we want to play football, and he provides a lot of versatility.”
Now that Texas’ long-time leader on defense, DeMarvion Overshown, is in the NFL, Blackwell will be vying for more snaps. He and David Gbenda are expected to duke it out for the starting role, but even if Blackwell isn’t named the starter On3’s Steve Habel is confident that he will see snaps regardless.
Blackwell is going play plenty no matter who the starter ends up being at that position. He’ll factor at both Will and Sam, and his versatility will be utilized often by Pete Kwiatkowski on conventional downs and Jeff Banks on special teams.
Replacing both the football success and leadership qualities of Overshown won’t be an easy task, but luckily Teas will be able to pair Blackwell or Gbenda with one of the best linebackers in the country in Jaylan Ford.