Interview: 2022 California OLB Talent Bishop Blakely Readies to Make Mark with Upland
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 football season was one of growth for Class of 2022 talent Bishop Blakely. Blakely applied his trade at outside linebacker and tight end for Alta Loma High School getting a late call up to varsity for the playoffs because of his progress on the field. The development in his overall game and athleticism were pushed to another level during the spring playing 7v7 with Rharebreed. As the offseason training continues with Rharebreed, summer ball for Blakely has begun, but with his new team Upland High School. The Highlanders were one of California’s best in 2018 running their mark to 12-3 with an end of season No. 16 MaxPrep’s ranking. Now the 6-1, 200-pound, talent will make his mark with the Highlanders playing outside linebacker on defense and slot on offense.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising prospects to learn more about his game, offseason training, and summer workouts with Upland.
Interview
Bishop, you were a two-way player last season lining up at outside linebacker and tight end. What was that experience like for you playing ironman football?
“It was productive. Because of that experience, on offense I can read defenses better and on defense I can read offenses better. That experience benefits me on both sides of the ball.”
You got after it as an aggressive tight end with your blocking locking onto ends. What was your motivation at the snap of the ball on offense?
“My motivation is to get my job done and help my team out. My motivation is to be the best athlete I can be on the field.”
On defense, you did a great job of creating chaos in the backfield and one can tell you like to pop the opposition. What are some of the other traits of your game on defense?
“I like to fly to the ball, I like being aggressive, and I like getting my hands onto people. I like to cover. I am fast for my size. I can go man-to-man if needed.”
Bishop Blakely with Upland
When did summer ball with Upland begin?
“We started a couple of weeks ago.”
With the move, how is it going so far getting used to a new system?
“I like how everything is ran at Upland. It is run like a college program. We are lifting, running and then we come back for practice later in the day. The way they prepare you, you will not be shocked when you get to college.”
Where all did you line up for the Highlanders during offseason practices?
“The majority of my time I have been at outside linebacker. I have spent time in the slot as well.”
How are you preparing yourself for varsity ball in 2019 this offseason separate from team workouts?
“I have been training with Coach Rob from Rharebreed. I have been working on getting my feet faster to cover slots and running backs out of the backfield. I am covering better and getting my hips loose. I am being prepared for a bigger level going from Alta Loma to Upland. I have definitely gotten stronger and faster.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team?
“Yes. I played with Rharebreed.”
How did playing 7v7 with Rharebreed help make you a better player?
“It made me better by working my technique. Playing in pads, you can hit and do more covering receivers to stop them. Without pads, you have to use your hands and technique. With Coach Rob, they treat everyone like family. They want you to get better as an overall athlete. They want you to be a better person, prepared for life mentality, physically, and spiritually.”
What are your goals during the rest of your summer workouts?
“My goals are to get stronger and faster and prepare for varsity ball this year with Upland. My main goal is just to be prepared.”
What are your goals for the 2019 season?
“My goals are to help my team win and to get on boards. My goal is to get noticed this year.”
Bishop, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your summer workouts with Coach Rob and Upland.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Blakely family; Bishop Blakely with Rharebreed and at Upland
Excited to see you play.