He has all the talent as an inside linebacker, but Alabama head coach Nick Saban is working with a former four-star recruit on one thing.
Kendrick Blackshire, a native of Duncanville, Texas, arrived in the Crimson Tide’s 2021 class as an imposing figure. He looked like he was loaned to Alabama from a special laboratory.People expected Blackshire to have an immediate impact, but his growth has taken time. He emerged with a quality performance in the Tide’s season opener against Middle Tennessee State. Blackshire tied for third in the team in total tackles (five). He forced a fumble in the second half and recovered it for Alabama.
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Blackshire celebrated after forcing a turnover, as maybe he’s finally turned a corner on defense.
Coach Saban updated reporters Monday on Blackshire. He was pleased with the focus of the third-year player, but wants more consistency.
”He got in the game and played fairly well,” Saban said about Blackshire. “I think the big thing we work on with Kendrick is consistency in performance. When he’s locked in and focused, he plays really, really well. He has to be able to do it all the time so you develop the confidence in yourself and your teammates. He played well in the game when he got a chance to play.”
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Saban wants to see Blackshire grow in overall consistency. He has the potential to be a marquee player, but he has to put everything together.
He has a chance to stack a good performance this weekend versus Texas.
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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.
