Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Florida State's Blackman named Offensive MVP of Walk-On's Independence Bowl

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 27, 2017) Florida State quarterback James Blackman (shown right) was named the the Offensive Player of the Game at the 42nd Walk-On's Independence Bowl. The 6-5, 169-pound freshman, who played his prep ball at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida, broke an I-Bowl record with four passing touchdowns. Seven other quarterback have three passing touchdowns. Three of his passing touchdowns came in the first half. He is the third quarterback to throw three scores in one half in I-Bowl history 

He finished the game with 18-of-26 passes for 233 yards; with his longest pass being 27 yards. He also carried the ball six times for 29 yards. He finishes his freshman season, playing is 13 games and completing 173-of 283 passes for 2,230 yards. He tallied 19 touchdowns along with 11 interceptions.

In the post-game press conference, he was asked about the excitement of playing in the Independence Bowl  and being prepared to play after a coaching change: 

“Being able to take the adversity and make it a positive. We had positive energy in the locker room, and we wanted to send our seniors out the right way. We came out to play, and we came out focused.”

 
He added about how much he improved this season and possibly compete for the starting job: 

“It’s a great season to learn from. What happens in the future, happens in the future. I don’t want to speak on the starting job. I want to learn from my mistakes and get better.” 

Blackman was named the starting quarterback for 2017 after a season-injury to sophomore Deondre Francois.

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