TheWolfpacker.com - Blackman relishing his new role in offense

August 9, 2006

Carter Cheves
TheWolfpacker.com Staff

Wide receiver Darrell Blackman was closely watched last Saturday at NC State's first practice. That is because he was a former starting running back for the Pack. But Blackman's playmaking skills and the team's need for help at receiver forced a change in positions for Blackman.

"I got reps in the spring at wide receiver, and then again in summer workouts. So it wasn't new to me. I worked with Lamart Barrett and John Dunlap this summer, so I was ready coming into [Saturday].

"I'm happy with the switch of positions. I'm going to get more chances to get my hands on the ball," Blackman said. I'm going to get the ball in different situations, instead of coming out of the backfield. I can get the ball out in open space, where I like to get. It's been a good move for me. I like it."

Blackman has 24 career receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown catching passes out of the backfield for State, but this will be the first time in his football career that he will line up consistently at wide receiver. He also is expected to resume his role as star kick returner. He led the ACC in punt returns as a freshman, averaging 17.8 a return and scoring on an 87-yard runback against Florida State. Last year led the ACC in kickoff returns with a 29.1-yard average.

Naturally the move to receiver means that Blackman needed to establish a different type of relationship on the field with his quarterback, who is now trying to throw the ball to him rather than simply hand it off. Blackman liked what he saw from both his quarterbacks and the team after the first practice.

"Our quarterbacks were in tune with what they were suppose to do," Blackman said. "They were making the right calls and right decisions. They were picking out the right men to throw the ball to. All of them impressed me.

"Everyone came out to work. The coaches were intense. We came out here to work and get back in focus. We want to learn the system. Overall, I thought it was a great first day."

Blackman was not the only running back that found a new position. Reggie Davis, a senior, has made the switch the linebacker in an effort to feel a need there.

"It's kind of weird seeing that number 20 jersey over on defense," Blackman noted. "We were in the backfield together last year running plays. It's a big change and a shock to me."

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