40 Facts About Reed Blankenship

Early Life and High School Achievements

Reed Blankenship's journey to the NFL began in a small town with a rich football tradition. His early years were shaped by his environment and his passion for sports.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on March 2, 1999, in Athens, Alabama, Reed grew up in a community that loved football.
2. High School Career: At West Limestone High School, he shined in both football and basketball.
3. All-State Honors: Reed earned all-state, all-region, all-county, and all-area selections in football.
4. Player of the Year: In 2016, he was named Player of the Year, highlighting his talent and dedication.

College Recruitment and Decision

Reed's high school success led to multiple college offers. His choice of college was influenced by his desire to play immediately and make an impact.

5. College Recruitment: He received scholarship offers from several colleges, including Middle Tennessee, Alabama A&M, and Minnesota.
6. College Choice: Reed chose Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to play for the Blue Raiders.
7. Immediate Play: He wanted to play immediately and dominate on Saturdays, which influenced his decision.

College Football Career

Reed's college career at MTSU was marked by impressive statistics and numerous accolades. His performance on the field set the stage for his professional career.

8. Freshman Season: In 2017, Reed played in 13 games, starting nine, and recorded 68 tackles.
9. All-Conference Honors: He earned honorable mention all-conference and C-USA All-Freshman honors.
10. College Statistics: Over his college career, he accumulated 419 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and one interception.
11. All-Time Leading Tackler: Reed became Middle Tennessee State's all-time leading tackler.
12. First Team All-C-USA: In 2021, he was named a First Team All-C-USA selection.

Transition to the NFL

Despite his college success, Reed faced challenges entering the NFL. His determination and hard work eventually paid off.

13. Undrafted Free Agent: Reed went undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft but was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
14. NFL Debut: He made his NFL debut in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals.
15. First Defensive Snap: Reed earned his first defensive snaps in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts.
16. Special Teams Contribution: Initially, he played mostly on special teams, recording 10 tackles.
17. Dime Package Role: Reed became part of the Eagles' dime package, overtaking K’Von Wallace.

Professional Career Development

Reed's rookie season saw him grow from a special teams player to a key defensive contributor. His hard work and leadership were recognized by his teammates and coaches.

18. Leadership and Work Ethic: His leadership and work ethic were praised by teammates and coaches.
19. Training Camp Performance: Reed impressed coaches during training camp, earning a spot on the Eagles' 53-man roster.
20. Offseason Preparation: Even when inactive, he focused on training and participated in scout team practices.
21. Physical Attributes: Reed stands at 6 feet 0 inches and weighs 203 pounds, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds.
22. Scouting Report: He is described as a physical player with good awareness and instincts.
23. Strengths and Weaknesses: Reed excels in the box but can struggle in space and lacks top-end speed.

Career Milestones and Statistics

Reed's professional career has been marked by significant milestones and impressive statistics. His performance on the field continues to improve.

24. College Statistics Breakdown: In his final season at MTSU, he recorded 110 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and one interception.
25. Professional Career Statistics: As of the 2023 season, Reed had 113 total tackles, three interceptions, and 11 passes defended.
26. Contract Extension: On April 1, 2024, he signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles.
27. Starting Free Safety: Reed was named the Eagles' starting free safety ahead of the 2023 season.
28. Impact on the Team: His presence in the secondary has been significant, providing a physical and aggressive presence.

Personal Life and Adversity

Reed's personal life and experiences have shaped his perspective on hard work and dedication. His journey has been marked by overcoming adversity.

29. Fan Perception: Despite being undrafted, Reed has gained the hearts of Eagles fans.
30. Humble Upbringing: His humble upbringing and manual labor experiences have shaped his perspective on hard work.
31. High School Manual Labor: During high school, Reed baled hay, which laid a foundation of true grit.
32. Alabama Visit: A visit to Alabama during his recruitment process had a significant impact on him.
33. Preferred Walk-On Spot: He received a preferred walk-on spot at Alabama but chose to focus on his own training instead.
34. College Adversity: Reed broke his leg in college, leading to a period of depression, but he made an epic comeback.
35. Professional Adversity: Despite being inactive for six of the first seven games of the 2022 season, he remained patient and focused.

Mentorship and Guidance

Reed has leaned on teammates and mentors for guidance throughout his career. Their support has been invaluable in his development.

36. Scout Team Practices: His participation in scout team practices has been invaluable, helping him prepare for game situations.
37. Leadership from Epps and Chachere: Reed has leaned on teammates like Marcus Epps and Andre Chachere for guidance.
38. Epps' Comparison: Epps sees a bit of himself in Reed, both having worked their way up from special teams.
39. Blankenship’s Confidence: Despite challenges, Reed remains confident in his abilities and believes in staying patient and consistent.
40. Fun in Football: He emphasizes the importance of having fun while playing football, maintaining a positive attitude throughout his career.

Reed Blankenship: A Story of Grit and Determination

Reed Blankenship's journey from a small-town kid in Athens, Alabama, to a starting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles is nothing short of inspiring. His high school and college careers were marked by standout performances and relentless hard work. Despite going undrafted, he didn't let that setback define him. Instead, he seized the opportunity with the Eagles, proving his worth through sheer determination and skill. His impressive stats, leadership qualities, and work ethic have made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the Eagles' defense. Blankenship's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. Whether he's making tackles, intercepting passes, or leading by example, Reed Blankenship continues to show that with grit and determination, anything is possible. His future with the Eagles looks bright, and fans can't wait to see what he'll achieve next.