How long have you played football?

I’ve been playing as long as I can remember, I think 4 years old I played pee wee for the first time.

What’s been your favorite memory playing for DHS?

My favorite memory so far is playing down at Andrews, I’ve never been in an environment quite like that one.

My family from out of town got to watch me play the day after Thanksgiving and it was great. I loved every minute of it!

What are you looking forward to this season?

I’m looking forward to moving from outside linebacker to strong inside linebacker which kinda puts pressure on me to fill Donnell Wilkins’s shoes.

I feel great about where I’m at for this season, I’ve still got unfinished business and still have to work hard. It doesn’t come easy for anybody.

What does it mean to you to represent DHS under the Friday Night Lights?

Well, it’s life.

I’m a kid from Valdese born three years before Draughn HS was a thing and so I’ve kinda been raised in the wildcat way.

I also feel the need to do my very best, not just for the youth that watches us and wants to be us, but for the past Wildcats to honor what they left behind for me.

I love this game and to represent the Wildcats on Friday nights is everything you best bet I’m “ALL IN” and ready for this season.

2022 stats (MaxPreps)

109 tackles

20 tackles for loss

18 rushing yards

16 QB hurries

6 sacks

5 fumble recoveries

4 forced fumbles

Past Wildcats to wear #7/34

Blackwell will be wearing #7 this season after wearing #34

Zaydin Pritchard

Eric Gilleon

Khe-Nai Banks

Will Copeland

Caleb Bias

Gavin Bennett

Logan Cline

Donnie Patton

Adam Manns