Interview: 2017 ATH Urael Blackshear Settling in as Dynamic Playmaker for Salesian

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When Urael Blackshear takes his talents to the next level, wherever he may go, he will be bringing with him a wealth of gridiron experience. The Los Angeles area product can be found lining up at running back, wide receiver, and punt returner leaving college recruiters a world of options on their roster for years to come. Blackshear was so talented he even logged time in on defense in 2015.

Blackshear was a big part of Bishop Mora Salesian’s 6-6 team in 2015. The roster was lined with fellow Class of 2017 talents who took their lumps while handing some out preparing guys like quarterback Robbie Blosser, wide receiver/defensive back Deommodore Lenior, and defensive end/outside linebacker Rahyme Johnson for a big senior season.

The Mustangs used Blackshear in the ground game handing the ball off to him 52 times covering 267 yards with four scores. In the passing game, catching the ball out of the backfield or in the slot, the 5-7, 170 pound all-purpose talent caught 29 passes for 298 yards. During his sophomore campaign he added 16 tackles, 10 solo, while giving depth to the Mustangs secondary.

Salesian has started the 2016 season 1-1 beating Verbum Dei 69-0 and with a 35-26 loss to a loaded Calabasas team that could push deep into the California playoffs. Stats for just the first game have been posted with Blackshear notching 21 carries for 156 yards with two scores while adding six receptions for 49 yards. On special teams he has tallied 52 yards off three punt returns.

Recruiting efforts on Blackshear are starting to pick up. Offers have come in from Idaho, Alabama State, and Utah with teams like Fresno State and Columbia, among others, showing increasing interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Blackshear to find out how his season has gone to date and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Urael, you played all over the field last season. What all did you work on in the off-season to ensure a great senior year?

“I worked on my speed and explosiveness. I did a lot of beach workouts, yoga, and Pilates. I’ve seen a big improvement in my speed after adding all the new workouts. Off the ball, I am faster and my play has been better so far.”

You’ve gotten faster with the new workouts, what was the best 40-yard dash time you ran before adding all the different types of exercises?

“I ran a 4.53 at a camp.”

Where all will you line up this season?

“I’m playing running back, wide receiver, some strong safety, kick returner, and punt returner.”

What type of base offense does Salesian run?

“We run a mix of different offenses. Sometimes we run a spread, line up in the I-formation, and sometimes we are in the Pistol.”

You have two games in the books, how has your season gone so far?

“The season is going well so far. We are picking up our play. We are missing a couple of pieces in our personnel. I feel like we are playing well this early in the season, we are getting a feel for everything. We are 1-1 right now but the season is looking bright for us in league and in the playoffs. We should make a lot of noise this year.”

What pieces are you guys missing?

“Our starting right tackle is waiting to get cleared and we have a cornerback, Dallas Branch, waiting to get cleared.”

Calabasas has a loaded team this year. I know dropping a game is never fun, but was playing against a team like that fun for you?

“It was fun. There was a lot of hype going into the game. That was a game we were waiting on this off-season. They were a nice-solid team. We are in the same division. If we see them in the playoffs we will be better prepared especially once we get our missing pieces on the field.”

Have you set any goals for yourself for the 2016 season?

“My plan is not too specific. I want to impact the game as much as I can. I want to do everything right and never put the team in jeopardy. My team goals are to be better than last year, be a leader, and make it to the championship game.”

Since you play so many positions, which position are most schools recruiting you to play?

“My offers are at running back and wide receiver, an athlete.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“Columbia is one of them. I went to one of their camps in July. They loved me. We are waiting on the academic process to start kicking in. San Diego State, Oregon, and Cal-San Louis Obispo are showing interest too.”

Do you have any official or unofficial visits lined up?

“I plan on taking one to San Diego State in a couple of weeks to see a game. I’m planning on going to an Oregon game this year too.”

The Mustangs have a tough schedule this year. Are there any games remaining you are hyped to play a little more than the other?

“Oh yeah, our first league game against Harvard-Westlake (Oct. 7) and then out game against Cathedral (Oct. 21). The Cathedral game, that is always exciting. Harvard beat us last year (48-44), there is a revenge factor there. We want to make a statement this year. We slipped up last year. This year is a different story.”

Urael, good luck with the rest of the season and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Urael Blackshear at the Nike Opening Regional Los Angeles.