Interview: Texas 4-Star OT Cole Blanton Growing Towards Top in 2018 Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is nothing that gets a collegiate offensive line coach more excited on the recruiting trail than seeing a high school talent getting nasty in the trenches. When college coaches came around to check out Cypress Ranch High School’s Class of 2018 left tackle during the 2015 season, they got all of that and more.

The early buzz on Colten “Cole” Blanton was his abilities in both the run game and passing attack, even as a 6’5”, 250 pounder. Blanton had the athleticism and willingness to finish off plays as a sophomore but what would his end destination be along the trenches at the collegiate level, at guard or tackle? The potential was there, enough that 247Sports tabbed him as a four-star recruit. The offers are backing the star power with 19 scholarships on the table from teams like Alabama, Michigan, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Georgia, Oklahoma State, Colorado State, Ohio State, Missouri, Auburn, Colorado, Duke, and Baylor.

The frenzy for Blanton could not get much bigger than it already is, but could grow bigger once teams see how well the now- 6’7”, 280 pounder, moves and plays as he matures into his frame.

With Blanton dominating the blind side last year, the Mustangs posted a 10-2 mark. Blanton was part of a squad that blocked for Collin Rock allowing him to pass for 1,547 yards and rolled over defenses with a stable of ball carriers that amassed over 3,100 yards against tough Texas 6A competition. The future is bright for Blanton, and for the Cypress squad with their big man blowing open holes and keeping pesky defensive ends and linebackers off his quarterback.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Blanton for a one-on-one session covering his sophomore campaign, off-season workouts, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Cole, you guys mowed over people last year in the run game. What scheme does Cypress Ranch use primarily?

“We are a Power-I team.”

Have the coaches made any scheme changes in the off-season?

“Not at all. We are running the ball down people’s throats again this year.”

I believe it. Did you get any snaps at the varsity level during your freshman year?

“No. I was called up during spring ball my freshman year.”

When you were prepping for your sophomore year, did you have any idea you would be the Mustangs starting left tackle?

“No, not at all. I was 6’5”, 250 pounds then. I played the season at that height and weight. I honestly had no idea that I would be doing much. I wanted to go out there and do my best to help the team win hoping I will make a difference.”

Well you took advantage of the opportunity and shinned. What are some of the things that you do well that helps you be such a dominating force at left tackle?

“I think my feet are very good, especially for my size. This year I have worked a lot on my run blocking. Pass pro is the best thing I can do from last year.”

How have you adjusted to weight and height gains? Are you still fluid and quick?

“I did not do too well at the (Nike) Opening. I had surgery earlier in the year. I put on weight on then.”

What did you run your 40-yard dash in at the Opening?

“I ran a 5.95 at Opening but I’ve brought my time down to a 5.2.”

Nice. You missed a couple of games last season. What happened?

“I missed half the season because I dislocated my knee camp. I came back in time to make the playoffs.”

Are you 100 percent now?

“Yes sir.”

Will your role on the team change at all next year? Will we see you on defense?

“As of right now just at tackle. I might get some snaps in at guard or center like last year as well.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“No sir.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 19 offers.”

I know you’ve taken a couple of unofficial visits, where all have you been so far?

“I’ve been to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Alabama, Auburn, OU (Oklahoma), TCU, and Clemson.”

How did your visit to the Aggies go?

“I really liked it. I have been up there three times now. I went for a Junior Day, their Friday Night Lights in the spring, and a BBQ. I liked it all three times.”

How did your visit to Oklahoma go?

“I really like OU. I’ve just been up there once. I went there for a Junior Day. It is very nice there.”

How was Clemson?

“I really liked it. The campus there is very pretty. I really liked it up there as well.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“No. I cancelled all my visits until the season is over.”

Since you have so many offers, have you started to formulate an idea about when you may verbally commit to a program?

“I’m going to wait until June 2017.”

When you make that decision, what will be some of the things that influence your decision?

“The character of the team is one thing. If I feel at home there is another along with the education, of course. If I can win. If I think they will be successful in the future is another key.”

How did your year in the classroom end up as a sophomore?

“It was great. I had a 3.45 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Probably science.”

When do the Mustangs start fall camp?

“On Aug. 8.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are getting excited to play?

“All of them. I’m pumped.”

How does the team look heading into the season?

“We look very good. I think we will have a chance to make it to the playoffs and win the last game of the season, if you know what I mean.”

I do. Cole, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Blanton family; Cole Blanton at Texas A&M with line coach Jim Turner.

Photo credits:  247sports.com; No. 72 Cole Blanton in action.