Re: Travis Blanks

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Jul 4, 2015, 11:36 AM

Swinney expecting big return from Travis Blanks

Scott Keepfer, skeepfer@greenvillenews.com 3:54 p.m. EDT April 21, 2015

It has been 15 games and 17 months since Travis Blanks played in a game for Clemson, which goes a long way toward explaining why Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney is expecting the former freshman All-American to be raring to go this fall.

After starting nine games at nickel back in 2012, Blanks was the Tigers' starting safety for 10 games in 2013 before suffering a torn ACL against The Citadel. He missed the final two games, then redshirted last season after another knee injury in preseason camp.

But Swinney is looking for Blanks to be healthy and happy to see the field once again come August.

"Don't count ol' Travis Blanks out," Swinney said. "We're just getting him back with wheels under him so he can compete like he needs to.

"Talk about an outstanding player; he was a Freshman All-American, and he earned it. He made some huge plays in some big games for us."

Blanks had 51 tackles, an interception, seven pass breakups and a fumble recovery as a freshman. His production slipped somewhat after he moved to safety in his sophomore season, but Swinney is expecting him to flourish after moving back to familiar territory as a redshirt junior.

"He'll be back in the box, which I think is the best spot for him," Swinney said. "It's where he's had the most success."

Swinney also indicated that the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Tallahassee, Florida, native could even see some action at either the Sam or Will linebacker slots as well.

"He's a guy who has the ability," Swinney said. "He's very smart, very instinctive, a great tackler; he's physical, tough and just kind of a violent player in there. Really, that's more his niche (than safety)."

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2015/04/21/swinney-expecting-big-return-travis-blanks/26117443/