Interview: 5-Offer 2020 Florida OT Blaise Sparks Updates Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Size, mobility, and attitude in the trenches along the offensive line is hard to come by, but Class of 2020 tackle Blaise Sparks has it all. The 6-7, 290-pound, moving mountain bullied, flattened, pancaked, and knockdown 6A Florida defenders throughout his junior season for North Fort Myers High School earning first team All-District and All-Area honors. College coaches have responded with four offers and top Division I schools showing interest.
In a quick one-on-one interview, I sat down with the Red Knights’ star to learn more about his talents in the trenches.
Interview
Blaise, the Red Knights had a very good season going 9-4 against 6A competition. How did the season go for you personally in the trenches?
“It went pretty good. I don’t think we gave up many sacks this year but we did pretty good.”
Your squad was run-heavy in 2018 gaining over 3,700-yards on the ground. How did your run blocking improve given so many chances to perfect it?
“It got a lot better as the season went on. I got better at going until the whistle blows.”
Even though you guys only attempted 170 passes, you still had opportunities to work on your pass-pro, how did that part of your game improve?
“Yeah, we did not do a lot of pass blocking, but I think I did well. My coach always tells me to bend, that got better and my down blocking improved.”
Was there a game or point in the season when you really felt you had it all working the way you wanted?
“Probably the first time against Charlotte, that was a really good game.”
With the offseason now here, what all will you work on with your skillset?
“I am hitting the weights hard, doing wrestling to get lower, and working on my pass blocking.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yeah, we maxed out about a month ago. My bench was 285 and my squat was 350.”
What offseason goals have you set for yourself?
“I want to get faster and get all of my maxes up.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers: USF (South Florida), Southern Miss, Kent State, Akron, and Temple.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered?
“I am receiving interest from Notre Dame, UConn, and others but I don’t know them off the top of my head.”
Did you take any unofficial visits during the season?
“Yes. I visited FSU (Florida State).”
How did the FSU visit go?
“It went pretty good. We toured the facilities and the weight room, ate with the coaches, and we got to watch the players workout.”
Last question. How is wrestling going?
“I don’t compete with the team, I practice for the conditioning and to work on getting lower.”
Blaise, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Blaise Sparks Twitter; No. 74 Blaise Sparks in action