Byard and Blankenship, now the Eagles' safety pairing, were products of a Middle Tennessee State program where they entered as unheralded recruits and left with a Brian Dawkins-like makeup.
Newly acquired Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard runs a drill next to safety Reed Blankenship during practice at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. The Eagles will face the Washington Commanders on Sunday.acquired Monday from the Tennessee Titans
It’s a bit poetic that Byard, who since high school had so admired Dawkins that he viewed his Weapon X hype video on YouTube, now occupies the exact same locker at the NovaCare Complex that was previously housed decades ago by the Pro Football Hall of Fame safety. Although they never played together in college, with Byard graduating in 2015 and Blankenship arriving to campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn., two seasons later in 2017, Stockstill commended both players for their commitment to the program. Early in their respective careers, Stockstill described how Blankenship and Byard followed the makeup of Dawkins, who notably prioritized his punctuality and recovery.
Byard still applies the same routine that he picked up from Dawkins through Stockstill. About 30 minutes before every practice, he always heads to the weight room, where he’ll activate his body with various movements and also with foam rolling. Byard first met Blankenship at the conclusion of his rookie season with the Titans, when he returned to campus for a spring workout.
Eagles rookie Reed Blankenship raises cows in rural Alabama and went from undrafted to the Super BowlNow in Year 2, Blankenship has evolved into a key starter.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eagles Expect Smooth Transition for Byard: ‘Student of the Game!’The Philadelphia Eagles recently traded for safety Kevin Byard and it shouldn't take long to see him on the field.
Read more »
Tennessee GOP looking to reject millions of dollars in aidTennessee would be the first state to do this depending on the panel's findings. To date no state has ever rejected federal funding for its students.
Read more »
Tennessee Titans 3 Keys to Victory Against Atlanta Falcons in Week 8The Tennessee Titans are facing a must-win situation in Week 8 with a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons set for Sunday and if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Titans will have to accomplish three key items.
Read more »
Inmate fatally stabbed at Tennessee courthouse while waiting to appear before judgeDeion Byrd, 25, was fatally stabbed Thursday morning at a Memphis courthouse while awaiting an appearance before a judge. Fellow inmate Donnie Clay, 21, was charged in his death.
Read more »
Tennessee Titans plan to use Malik Willis, Will Levis at quarterbackWith Ryan Tannehill out on Sunday, Tennessee will play both its young quarterbacks against the Atlanta Falcons.
Read more »
Tennessee vs. Kentucky by the numbers: Top rushing team meets top rusherTennessee and Kentucky will square off in an SEC game at 6 p.m. CDT Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
Read more »