When asked of his first impressions of Virginia freshman linebacker and new roommate Darryl Blackstock, defensive end Kwakou Robinson called him "The Freak."
"He doesn't stop," Robinson said. "He's my roommate and he doesn't stop even in the room."
It is this upbeat spirit and driven attitude that has lead Blackstock to great success in his first season of play. It takes a special type of person and player to be prepared to jump straight from high school football to playing big-time ACC football, in front of tens of thousands of fans.
"He's ahead of the game," senior linebacker Angelo Crowell said. "He knows more about football than I did in my first year."
As a freshman, Blackstock looks surprisingly poised and confident in his ability. It is easy to forget he has only played five games of college football. At times, he and Crowell look like a tandem of veteran leaders.
"The type of player I like to be is to be able to do many types of things," Blackstock said. "I hate coming off the field."
Blackstock has taken on a difficult role in Virginia's defensive scheme. As a linebacker along with Crowell, it is his job to be the anchor of the defense, not to mention one of the main playmakers on the field.
"This is really a demanding position he's playing," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "It's for a guy who really likes football and has diverse skills."
If a love of the game is one of the requirements to play linebacker successfully, Blackstock is more than qualified.
"I think I'm the only one who loves practice, who loves camp," Blackstock said. "I just love everything about football."
His enthusiasm has been a key factor to his success early this season. However, his focus and determination have proved even greater reasons for his on-field triumphs -- he is a self-proclaimed perfectionist, always expecting the best from himself.
"Even if I get a sack I just think there's a better way to get there," Blackstock said. "I could have wrapped him up better. Maybe I could strip the ball next time."
Even though Blackstock has experienced early success, racking up 40 tackles and a team high four sacks, there is still room for him to adjust his game and continually learn. Groh readily praises him for his mental approach to the game.
"He's very quick to learn," Groh said. "He's as versatile mentally as he is physically."
In last Saturday's Wake Forest game, Blackstock penetrated the Demon Deacons' offensive line, steam rolling Wake Forest quarterback James MacPherson and ending a potential game-winning drive for Wake.
"Everything just zoned out," Blackstock said. "I didn't hear anything. The running back tried to cut me and just grabbed my legs. I just hopped out of it and dove at the quarterback."
These are the types of moments when Blackstock's mental focus and physical toughness lead to a direct pay-off on the field. And Virginia hopes Blackstock can provide more of these big-time plays not only throughout the season, but also during his entire Cavalier career.
"I think I'm going to be a big problem for the ACC as I get older," Blackstock said.
Blackstock definitely remains confident of his ability and has the potential to leave a legacy that all Virginia football fans will remember.
Read More
Women’s basketball goes scoreless in the final three minutes of a 68-65 loss to Louisville
By Xander Tilock | 1 hours agoThe Cavaliers have now lost three straight ACC games.
The Cavaliers run, jump, and throw their way through the Penn 10 Elite
By Caroline Wulff | 1 hours agoVirginia runners turned in quality performances against competition from the Ivy League, Big Ten and other prominent conferences.
No. 5 women’s tennis wins ITA Kickoff Weekend in thrilling final
By Gracie Genereux | 2 hours agoVirginia defended its home court in the regional qualifier.
