Tag: Ja’Quain Blakely

Ja’Quain Blakely set for Nashville Kats’ debut

Former Vol defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely is set for his Nashville Kats’ debut.

The Arena Football League will return on Saturday after not fielding a season since 2019.

Nashville will also return to competition for a third stint in 2024. The Kats will play at Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Former Vol defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely is on roster for the Kats in 2024.

Blakely played for the Vols from 2017-24. He appeared in 50 games, including 10 starts, at Tennessee, while recording 44 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three pass deflections.

The 6-foot-1, 270-pound defensive lineman went to Tennessee from Colquitt County High School in Norman Park, Georgia.

Nashville’s first game is slated for Saturday against Minnesota. Kickoff between the Kats and Myth is slated for 8:30 p.m. EDT at Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

Ja’Quain Blakely declares for 2022 NFL draft

Ja’Quain Blakely declares for the 2022 NFL draft.

Redshirt senior defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely has declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

Blakely announced his decision Wednesday.

“After many prayers and consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2022 NFL draft,” Blakely announced.

The 6-foot-2, 270-pound defensive lineman appeared in 50 games for the Vols from 2017-21, totaling 44 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three pass deflections.

Blakely came to Tennessee from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia.

The NFL draft is slated to take place April 28–30 in Paradise, Nevada.

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Ja’Quain Blakely discusses preparing for Music City Bowl

Ja’Quain Blakely discusses preparing for the Music City Bowl against Purdue.

Tennessee will conclude its 2021 season Thursday against Purdue in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl.

The contest will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. EST and ESPN will televise the matchup.

Ahead of the matchup, senior defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely met with media and discussed playing in the Music City Bowl.

Below is a transcript of Blakely’s media availability provided by the University of Tennessee.

On why the defense has been strong early in games

“I think we’re starting strong because we know that our offense is fast, our offense is going to score. So, we live by the philosophy, ‘they don’t score, they don’t win,’ so we got to come out on fire ready to go.”

On if there’s any anxiety after seeing other games canceled

“A little bit, just because we’ve worked so hard for this. This is something that I’m excited for and I’m ready to get into, and just to know that any given day it could be canceled is kind of sketchy and scary.”

On this being his second Music City Bowl and how this one is different

“Very different. It’s been fun just (being) out with the guys and just enjoying my teammates. This is the last hoorah, so just enjoying my teammates and in Nashville, no better place to be.”

On facing a Purdue team that throws the ball a lot

“It’s exciting. They throw the ball a lot, so we get to pass rush and kind of have fun and do what we do.”

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2020 UT football player card: Ja’Quain Blakely

2020 UT football player card: Ja’Quain Blakely

Ja’Quain Blakely, defensive lineman (No. 48)

Class: Redshirt senior

Height: 6-2

Weight: 295

Hometown: Moultrie, Georgia

High School: Colquitt County

A former player of Rush Propst – Jeremy Pruitt’s former boss and mentor – Blakely played in every game for Tennessee in 2019. He picked up eight total tackles, and was a huge part of the goal line stand against Kentucky that resulted in a Tennessee win in Lexington.

Blakely will continue to have a presence for Tennessee’s interior defensive line in 2020, and is one of several returning players with plenty of experience on that unit.

2020 Tennessee football schedule

  • Sept. 5 vs. Charlotte (Knoxville)
  • Sept. 12 at Oklahoma (Norman)
  • Sept. 19 vs. Furman (Knoxville)
  • Sept. 26 vs. Florida (Knoxville)
  • Oct. 3 vs. Missouri (Knoxville)
  • Oct. 10 at South Carolina (Columbia)
  • Oct. 17 OPEN DATE
  • Oct. 24 vs. Alabama (Knoxville)
  • Oct. 31 at Arkansas (Fayetteville)
  • Nov. 7 vs. Kentucky (Knoxville)
  • Nov. 14 at Georgia (Athens)
  • Nov. 21 vs. Troy (Knoxville)
  • Nov. 28 at Vanderbilt (Nashville)