The University of Alabama brought in 27 nationally signed letters of intent for its 2021 recruiting class, and there is one defensive player that Crimson Tide fans are excited to watch.
Kendrick Blackshire, an alumnus of Duncanville (Texas) High School, looks the part when he steps off the bus.
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He earned a four-star rating from Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine and made a name for himself as a physical tackler. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder is an intimidating presence that looks to be the next superstar at linebacker.
He will not arrive on campus until the summer, which allows him to improve some areas of his game.
Despite his size and power, Blackshire’s footwork and agility could use some development.
He has teamed up with Joshua Hicks, owner of 3 Hunnid Fitness in Dallas, Texas, to get his speed in order. Hicks, an alumnus of Purdue University, is a fitness trainer and footwork specialist.
He Gone Be Ready, I’ll Stand On That 🤫😤@KendrickBlacks1
.#dallastx #football #linebacker #movement #RollTide pic.twitter.com/tVFHZYU02z— J.Hicks (@3hunnidGuru) March 2, 2021
He helps running backs, but Hicks has also developed Aquib Talib and Anthony Brown of the National Football League.
Blackshire has the size to be an elite middle linebacker; however, Nick Saban wants players at the position to have quickness too.
Should the training from Hicks helps him, Blackshire could become a huge star. People want to see what he brings, but the four-star is working for now.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
