BLUEFIELD —
Princeton’s Cody Blankenship wasn’t sure he’d get to continue his football career after high school.
However, Fairmont State will give him an opportunity next fall to continue playing after Blankenship accepted an invited walk-on offer to play for the Falcons.
“It’s really nice,” Blankenship said by phone Thursday. “It’s the sport I’ve played for my whole life. I didn’t know if I was going to play after high school. It’s great to know that I will going into college.”
Blankenship was a three-year varsity member with the Tigers playing on the offensive and defensive line. He started there the past two years and earned All-State honorable mention his senior year.
He will continue to play on the line at Fairmont State where the Falcons see him as an offensive guard.
“That’s where I played the best of all my postitions,” Blankenship said.
The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder plans on majoring in engineering while in Fairmont which helped with his decision.
“They have a good engineering program there,” Blankenship said. “That’s one of the main reasons I chose there. They have really nice facilities and nice people — a good place.
“Ever since I was with the Raiders, my grandma, aunt and my mom haven’t missed a game. I still want them to be able to watch me play.”
• • •
Another player signing on Wednesday was Giles’ Zack Keaton.
The Spartan kicker committed to Football Championship Subdivision Robert Morris joining 14 other players who chose the Colonials.
Keaton is second place all-time in VHSL history connecting on 85-straight extra points. He earned first team all-district in 2010 and 2011 while picking up all-region honors this past season.
In addition, Keaton was tapped for all-Four Season first team honors.
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Related Photos
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Blankenship File photo
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Keaton File photo
Discussion
February 3, 2012
Blankenship, Keaton to play at the next level
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