Is one of best defensive backs in the MAC and a definite pro prospect...possesses great cover ability and is one of fastest players on the team...a true game-changer from his spot in the defensive backfield...enters the season with 10 career interceptions...earned "Elite Flash" status for prowess in weightlifting, speed and agility over the winter...has earned three varsity letters.

2006 Junior Season

One of the Golden Flashes’ most valuable defensive weapons...started in all but two of Kent State’s games at cornerback en route to earning honors as squad’s Defensive Back of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year...tied for the lead in the nation with five forced fumbles...fifth on the team in total tackles with 62 — 40 of which were solo stops...recorded three sacks for a combined loss of 26 yards...had a breakout year on pass defense with four break-ups and four interceptions, which ranked fifth in the MAC...tallied 44 returning yards following his four picks...also led the team with four fumble recoveries...eight of nine tackles at nationally ranked Virginia Tech (Nov. 11) were of the solo variety...scored his single defensive touchdown on a 44-yard interception return Oct 14. in a 40-14 rout of Toledo...posted a career-high 11 tackles (nine solo) in win at Miami on Sept. 16.

2005 Sophomore Season

Started all 11 games at cornerback...was one of just six players to start in every game...compiled 63 total tackles, ranking fifth on the team...posted 41 solo stops and also had two tackles for a loss...led the team with four interceptions and had nine pass breakups...also forced and recovered a fumble...tallied at least four tackles in 9-of-11 games...had a season-high 10 tackles (seven solo) in the season opener at Michigan State Sept. 3...had eight stops at Ohio Sept. 24...had an interception and recovered a fumble to go along with four tackles at Navy Oct. 15...was named the team’s Outstanding Defensive Back following the season.

2004 Redshirt Freshman Season

Saw action in 10 games at cornerback, making five starts...set a school record with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown in his first career game at Iowa Sept. 4...finished the season with 27 total tackles, including 16 unassisted...intercepted two passes and broke up four others...also blocked a punt that led to a touchdown against Eastern Michigan Nov. 13...made a season-high seven tackles vs. Liberty Sept. 11...returned two kickoffs for 36 yards and one punt on special teams.

2003 Freshman Season

Was redshirted...was named Kent State’s Outstanding Defensive Scout by the coaching staff.

Prior to Kent State

Was an all-state selection as a senior at Booker T. Washington High School...also earned all-region and All-Tidewater accolades...was a two-time all-district selection...as a senior, had 10 interceptions and 10 touchdowns...was coached by Larry Stepney...lettered in football.

Personal

Born March 27, 1985...parents are Paul and Remedios Blankenship...majoring in leisure studies.