He was a highly discussed recruit in 2021, but now he’s ready to show his worth.
Kendrick Blackshire was a difference maker at Duncanville (Texas) High School as a linebacker.
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He put fear into running backs and quarterbacks with bone-crushing tackles. Blackshire has grown into a great special teams player for Alabama, but the former four-star wants more. He missed five games in 2022 because of a hand injury, but the physical specimen has an opportunity in spring practice to win one of two inside linebacker positions. The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder opens spring ball with a lot of determination. Ha’Sean “HaHa” Clinton-Dix, a former All-American safety for the Crimson Tide heaped immense praise on Blackshire’s “hunger” via Twitter. Clinton is a director of player development for Alabama after finishing his National Football League career. Clinton-Dix is a two-time BCS National Champion (2011, 2012).
Hungry to be great you can see it in his Eyes. https://t.co/FwSMlX65qi
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) March 22, 2023
Deontae Lawson, a redshirt sophomore, is recovering from surgery and will miss spring practice. He played 11 games, including four starts, as a weakside “Will” linebacker. Lawson, who came in the 2021 class with Blackshire, totaled 51 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and four pass breakups. His absence gives Blackshire a chance to win over everyone’s trust and take a starting position. Blackshire’s development as a potential middle “Mike” linebacker will be documented throughout the spring.
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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.
