Watkins Class of 2002 -- Justin Blalock

Watkins Alumni Justin Blaylock appears on the front of Athon Sports Magazine. ( center below )

Here's something on Justin that appeared on www.MackBrown-TexasFootball.com

Timeout with Justin Blalock

Justin Blalock, the incumbent starter at right tackle, is ready for the 2004 Longhorn season to get underway. The 6-4, 325-pounder from Plano, Texas spent the summer working on his conditioning, so that he and his fellow offensive linemen could improve on what was a record setting season last year. After being named first team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News, Blalock was selected preseason third-team All-Big 12 going into 2004. He took timeout from Monday's two-a-day to speak with MackBrown-TexasFootball.com.

How have you advanced from last season?
I lost a little weight, maybe 10 to 12 pounds, which has allowed my quickness to improve. I also think that will help my game towards the end of the season. I kind of had to pick things up on the fly last year, but this year I'm a lot surer of my responsibilities and myself. I'm starting to see the nuances and can see things developing, so I'm in front of the play instead of behind it.

How does having such a veteran line help the offense?
It is great to be able to depend on the guy next to you. It helps us out to know exactly where each guy is going to be. Also, it helps in the communication process because sometimes we don't even have to make calls. We can just look at the guy and know what our responsibilities are on that play.

What is it like blocking for the explosive runners in the Texas backfield?
Having guys like that makes blocking exciting, because you never know where they are going to go. It's interesting because you'll be blocking someone and the play will totally switch directions, so you have to be on your toes. As for Vince's running ability, it helps us because the defense always has to account for him, so sometimes they are stretched a little thin.

What are you trying to accomplish both individually and as an offensive line?
We don't really have individual goals on the offensive line. As an offense last year, we put up the most points in a season and had the most yards in total offense, so we want to be even better this year. We can definitely be one of the top offenses in the country. A lot of people want to see Cedric get 2,000 yards, and that would be great to be a part of.

What do you do to relax away from the field?
Not much, really. Almost every second I'm away from here is spent either eating or sleeping. I don't get out much. I'm more of a homebody. I'm in to video games and computers, but I'll do pretty much anything as long as I can do it in the house.

Are you looking forward to school starting?
Yes, I really am.