Interview: California ATH Trey Blackford Breaks Down Game Ahead of Big Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Chances are whenever a play was needed on offense, defense, and/or special teams for Tri-City Christian High School during the 2019 season, it came from Trey Blackford. The do-everything skill player was ever present on the field for the Eagles colliding against Division IV California squads as a receiver, corner, return specialist, and even a punter. Those skills have gathered a collegiate crowd.
The stat line for Blackford jumps, especially on offense where numbers are more easily digested. The 5-10, 152-pound, speedster torched defenses for 594 receiving yards off 40 receptions with seven scores and carried the rock 51 times for 318 more yards with two more scores posted on the board. On the way to 1,358 all-purpose yards, Blackford returned 19 kicks for 348 yards and six punts for 98. The Vista area talent worked his athleticism on defense putting an end to 29 plays, 18 by himself, with three picks.
With 10 total offers extended, on Dec. 14, 2020, Blackford verbally committed to Taylor University ahead of his senior season. As we near the planned beginning of the 2020 California high school football season, his D-I skills are sure to attract even more collegiate scouts.
Interview
Trey, throughout your junior season you showed you were a playmaker on the field for the Eagles. Looking back, how do you feel the season went for you personally?
I think it went very well. It was a positive experience for me. Being a junior, I became more of a leader for my team and teammates.
On offense, your coordinator was lining you up on the outside and in the slot setting you up for great success. What were some of the routes you were executing as a junior?
Some of my best routes were the fade routes. I had a lot of yards on screen passes. They were setting me up one on one with defenders allowing me to make them miss to make plays. The deep out routes gave me enough space to create plays on slower linebackers and safeties.
Not all of your routes were the typical “do this” or “do that” scenario. You had some delays and double moves which took chemistry with your quarterback and an understanding of defenses to execute. How did your overall understanding of the game grow throughout the 2019 season leading to your success?
It definitely improved a lot. After playing 7v7 and practicing every day, being able to read defenses knowing how they lined up helps in game scenarios. Working with my quarterback, knowing that he is on the same page as me helps to find those open pockets in the defense.
On defense, where all were you lining up and what were your roles in the scheme?
I played corner. Most of my coverages were quarters and thirds, and man which left me isolated with one receiver. That allowed me to show my athleticism.
You helped put your team in great field position with momentum changing returns further showcasing your speed. How fast are you?
My best 40 was almost two years ago. Then it was a 4.65.
They even had you punting. How did that go for you?
Yeah, they did. It went pretty well. They would utilize me in different ways because of my athleticism. The other team didn’t know if I was faking or punting. That kept the defense on their toes.
No doubt, and I am sure messed up their opportunities for any kind of return having a defense focused on you.
Yes, sir.
For your senior season, what roles have you been preparing for this offseason?
I will be playing receiver and instead of playing corner I will play safety. That will be different for me. Being a senior, the team is looking to me again like last year, except this time being a senior, I really want to win a championship going out strong during my last year.
Have you been working with a trainer this offseason?
Yes, I work with Fast Camp and I am doing 7v7 with them. We are playing in a bunch of tournaments. We’ve played in Vegas, San Diego and Arizona. I have been doing speed and agility work with them and working on sharpening up my routes.
In what other ways has working with Fast Camp and playing 7v7 with them helped you push your skills forward?
It definitely is helping me read defenses, knowing where to sit down and find the soft spot. Playing at a smaller school, playing 7v7 allows me to play against 4- and 3-star players. That allows me to show my skillset against D I recruits. I am able to show how good I am verses them, and to see if I am at that level.
That begs the question, do you feel that you are you at that level?
I believe that I am at that level. I can play D-I football. The school that I committed to, they beat a D-I FCS school last year. If a D-I took a chance on me, I could play for them.
Love it. Sticking with that; on Dec. 14, you committed to Taylor University. How did the Trojans become your ideal fit?
It felt like home to me. I had been out there for a couple of camps, they always made me feel welcomed. One of my cousins went there a while back, he loved the school. I really clicked with their receivers’ coach; we get a long really well. For the next four years it will be a place where I can really show my strengths on the field.
Blackford’s Offer Sheet (10): Hamline, Whittier, Taylor, Wheaton, DePaul, Concordia of Wisconsin, Redlands University, Tabor, Wabash, and McPherson
Trey, I appreciate your time and willingness to cover your junior year and offseason workouts with RNG today. Wishing you continued success on the field for the 2020 season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Blackford family; Trey Blackford