Interview: 4-Star 2022 Mississippi LB Stone Blanton is a Beast on the Gridiron
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some guys just have “it” with “it” being recognizable instantly, and Class of 2022 linebacker Stone Blanton has it all. Whatever that “it” is that combines strength, athleticism, size, speed, and football IQ, Blanton is the mixing pot producing a beast in the box for Madison Ridgeland Academy.
If experience counts for anything, seeing that Blanton is a four-star recruit on the field and has been playing Mississippi varsity ball since the eighth-grade, it all makes sense. The 6-2, 220-pound, defender is not only a ballhawk dissecting plays like a super-computer, but he takes joy in hammering running backs, quarterbacks, and any poor receiver trying to come across the middle or hung up on a screen. The tenacity at the position resulted in an estimated 80 stops, 60 solo, with 17 tackles for a loss, four sacks, eight QB hurries and three forced fumbles a year ago. That bring the pain mentality works for the Patriots heavy-package on offense turning nine carries into three touchdowns.
As Blanton was doing his best helping his Pats’ squad to a 12-2 run in 2019, college programs were lining up to drop offers. So far, 18 have been placed on Blanton’s doorstep with more ready to see tape on his first few games. The recruiting process comes with an interesting twist; all this athleticism is not limited to being a standout in one sport, but also in baseball where he is a commit to Mississippi State.
In an RNG first-look, Blanton stopped by the Lab for a fun and in-depth look at what makes him one of the best Class of 2022 players in the nation.
Interview
Stone, I love the way you attack offenses. Your speed and burst to the point of impact is elite and you come to the party ready to dish out some punishment. What do you feel are some of the other key attributes to your game as a linebacker?
(Laughs) I feel like my closing speed and diagnosing plays, thanks to my coaching, I feel like I do that better than most. Reading guards and tackles, I identify where the ball is going. Since the eighth-grade I have been playing varsity. That is a big advantage.
Since the eighth-grade?
Yes, sir.
Wow. That is impressive.
Thank you.
What scheme were you guys running last season?
Multiple schemes but we were in a 4-3 usually. We love to blitz; I go off the edge and up the middle. We have faith in our safeties to play man to man. Our game plan is to put pressure on offenses and not give them a lot of time in the pocket.
Blitzing is one thing, what were your other responsibilities as a linebacker in the scheme?
Depending on the coverage, usually I went off the back. I would take the back or the No. 3 deep, all depends on if they were passing. I was inside-out on all runs unless I am coming off the edge.
Your speed is a difference maker. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
Best 40 is a 4.61
Next time put a ball carrier 20 yards ahead of you. I’m guessing that 40 will be in the 4.3 range. What have you been doing this offseason to add more speed and power to what you bring to the field?
I train with D-I sports. Mike Espy played with the Redskins, and is one of the best trainers in the state. He has added a lot of speed to my game. Our strength coach is preparing us for the season. He helps with explosion and conditioning. Everything we do translates onto the field. That has made a big impact.
This season, what style of defense are you guys running?
We are doing the same defensive scheme.
Are you changing roles or doing anything differently within the schemes?
This season will be the same at the strongside linebacker position, I will also be on kickoff and in the heavy package on offense.
Nice. Which technical areas of your game have you focused on this offseason?
My tackling. I want to eliminate missed tackles, get to the ball carrier quick, and make big hits.
How did fall camp go?
It was good, we had a game on Friday. We are back into it. We had a couple weeks of pads and some scrimmages.
As mentioned, you guys kicked off in Week 1 against Trinity Christian in a thrilling 27-26 win for the Patriots, how did the team look in the win?
We looked really good. That team was very talented, but we played with more heart and our coaching was a big difference. We gave it all we had.
For you, after all the work you have done over the spring and summer months where are you already seeing personal improvements?
Already I see my quickness identifying plays and my tackling improving; I only missed one tackle in our opener. I was in quarantine for two weeks before the game.
Glad you made it back for the team’s opener.
Thank you.
Going forward, what goals have you set for this season?
My main goal is to be the best linebacker in the state and tops in the country, have a good highlight reel, wreak havoc in backfield, and have the best defense in our league.
I like it. Going into recruiting; which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
I have talked to Penn State, Alabama, LSU, Clemson, UCLA, Cal, and USC showing some interest too. They are waiting to see tape on my junior year. They want to make sure my junior year is as talented as last year. I am excited to show them.
How many offers do you have?
Eighteen.
Blanton’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Baylor, Duke, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville State, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Virginia
Going back to last season, have you had a chance to visit any programs?
No, not really. I walked around the field at Mississippi State and toured their baseball facilities. That is when I got my offer for baseball.
How are schools handling you with baseball and football offers?
A lot of schools told me I can play both.
Virtual visits are the new thing, have you taken any of those yet?
I did. I did one on Facetime with Tennessee and I was supposed to one with Louisville but it did not work out.
Looking ahead, when campuses are cleared again do you have any planned visits or possible visits you’d like to take?
I am really interested in all the schools, but I am not ready to narrow it down yet. It will depend if I am free on the weekend; some schools are further than others. I do want to see where I fit in.
Stone, it was a whole lot of fun going over your skills today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of the season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Madison County Journal/Blanton family; Stone Blanton