Interview: 3-Star 2021 California CB Kamren Blanton Covers Notre Dame Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Being really good at one’s job is not always as fun as advertised, especially for a football player. For example, take Class of 2021 cornerback Kamren “Kam” Blanton. Because he is so good at what he does, few California high school quarterbacks in the Division 1/2 ranks try him. But when they do, they pay. The 6-0, 170-pound, Long Beach Poly (7-3) standout has put an end to 18 plays with 16 solo stops and knocked away 14 passes this season coming off a 19-tackle, one-pick, eight-PBU 2018 campaign. The speed and cover skills have brought in offers from Arizona State and Utah State with interest growing across the country.

With the Jackrabbits prepping for an opening round 2019 playoff game against Orange Lutheran and after coming back from a Saturday visit to South Bend, I got a few minutes to catch up with Blanton on all that is happening.

*Click link for July 2019 RNG interview with Kam Blanton

Interview

Kamren, the 2019 regular season came to a cool end for the Jackrabbits with a big 35-13 win over Lakewood. How did the team look in the win?

“We looked really good. We have that confidence going into the playoffs. We are fired up to make a run in the D-II playoffs.”

How did the Lakewood game go for you?

“I did really well. I had five PBUs (pass breakups) and four tackles. I feel like I dominated.”

For the year, how did your skills as a corner improve?

“Greatly. I felt fast throughout the season. I have been in the weight room a lot. Throughout the season, they barely passed my way or tested me. It was a good feeling knowing they were scared to come my way. When they did, I locked down their receivers.”

Which game was the toughest for you covering a receiver and/or quarterback?

“The toughest was against Serra (Gardena). I know a few people on their team. It was a good challenge speed wise and with their quarterbacks Maalik (Murphy) and Doug (Brumfield).”

How did that game help you improve as a player?

“It helped a lot. It showed me that I need to move my feet faster, be more aggressive and come up faster to make tackles.”

That was the most challenging game, which game was your personal best?

“My best game was probably either Lakewood or the Serra game.”

With recruiting, I know you have the offers from Arizona State and Utah State, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“San Jose State, UNLV, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Washington State.”

Since we last spoke over the summer, have you visited any schools?

“Yes. I have taken visits to San Jose State, UNLV, and Notre Dame.”

How did the SJSU visit go?

“It was a really good visit. It is close to home. On the west coast, I love that. The student section was really active during the game. I know a few players on their team, it was cool to watch them play.”

And UNLV?

“That was really cool as well. That was my first time watching their team play. The team looked really good. It was in Vegas; it can’t get any better than that.”

This weekend was the Notre Dame visit for the Virginia Tech game, how did it go?

“It went really well. I talked to a lot of their coaches. They treated me really well and they were very welcoming.”

What did you think of the Irish’s defense getting to watch them live?

“Their defense is special. They were flying around and attacking. It was motivational to play at a higher level for me.”

What was it like for you getting to catch a Notre Dame game live after camping there this summer?

“It was special for me. One of my dreams has been to watch a Notre Dame game live. The atmosphere was special. I loved it.”

Coming up, are there any more planned visits?

“Maybe one to Utah State in mid-November.”

Last question. You guys go into the first round of the playoffs facing Orange Lutheran. It is early in the preparation process, but based on what you know now of the Lancers, what kind of game are you expecting from their offense?

“I am expecting a passing team. I know a few players on their team. They have good receivers and their quarterback is good. I expect them to pass a lot. It will be a hard-fought game.”

Kam, always great spending time with you covering your play and recruiting process. Thank you, and good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Blanton family; Kam Blanton at Notre Dame