Blackmon returns home to give back

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As a youth football player growing up in Cranston, Will Blackmon never had the luxury of connecting with any college or professional players.

So Blackmon, who is now playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL, set out to serve as a resource for youth football players in Rhode Island on Saturday.

The Bishop Hendricken alum gathered an extensive group of former and current collegiate players, as well as former professional players, to assist in hosting a free fundamentals clinic for the youth in Rhode Island.

The one-day event was split up into two sessions – 7-10-year-olds in the morning and an 11-14-year-old group in the afternoon – and was held on the Hawks’ turf field.

For Blackmon, the clinic presented him with a golden opportunity to come back to where it all started and give back.

“It’s awesome,” Blackmon said of the clinic. “I said earlier that I never had the access to any college or professional players when I was in high school, or even when I was growing up. This was long overdue, but I’m glad I found the right people to help with Deb (Weinreich), Paul (Danesi) and Lorenzo Perry – he’s awesome – so it’s very cool.”

When comprising a camp staff, Blackmon suggested that he could’ve brought in some Patriots’ players or some other professionals, but his main goal was to bring in guys who have had success in the state.

A few members of the camp staff included former Hendricken standout and Cincinnati Bengals’ tight end Matt Sherry, former Indianapolis Colt Jamie Silva and professional wide receiver and Portsmouth native Bobby Sewall.

He simply felt that they would be able to relate to the kids better.

“I wanted the kids to see players who have had success out of their hometowns,” Blackmon said. “That was the whole point for me. I’m glad these guys got to come out.”

Blackmon will have another tremendous opportunity as a player this fall.

After compiling 70 tackles, two sacks and an interception for the Jacksonville Jaguars over the last two seasons, Blackmon signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks this offseason.

The veteran cornerback spent a short stint with the team back in 2013, so there is a level of familiarity there, which will hopefully lead to success.

“I jumped on it,” Blackmon said of the opportunity to play for the Seahawks. “I had a couple of teams when I was a free agent, but when Seattle called, I felt like I had to go back there and redeem myself. It was a no-brainer.”

Following two of his most productive years in the NFL, Blackmon said that he’s fully healthy and ready to go.

“It’s a great opportunity to play the nickel and compete to be the opposite corner of Richard Sherman,” Blackmon said. “I’m 100-percent healthy and I’m extremely motivated.”

But before Blackmon was to leave for Seattle to prepare for training camp, he was happy to spend a few days at home – something that he rarely gets to do.

“I get to come home maybe once or twice a year – usually to see my grandma and my sister,” Blackmon said.

According to Blackmon, he still keeps up with his state champion Hawks – no matter where he may be.

“It’s easy to follow them, they don’t lose,” Blackmon said with a laugh.

One of the Hawks’ most famous alums was hoping to inspire the next generation of players by conducting the clinic on Saturday.

Judging by the turnout, it looks like he did just that.

“I’m glad I got to do this,” Blackmon said.

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