FONTANA, Calif.—When Devon Blackmon was a freshman at Summit High School, coach Tony Barile unexpectedly tapped him as the Skyhawks’ starting quarterback.
Barile, it seems, was upset that several SkyHawks players—including his QB—had dragged their feet when it came to getting their physicals.
As a result, a star was born. And a versatile one at that.
Last season as a junior, the 6-foot, 175-pound quarterback completed 20 of 37 passes for four touchdowns, rushed 64 times for 406 yards and five TDs and caught 18 passes for 296 yards and five more scores. He also returned four kicks for a 35.75 yard average. The SkyHawks went 6-6 last season.
At various times he has played at QB, running back, receiver, safety and kick returner, and he prompted one former high school coach to describe him as “a man against boys.”
Most colleges that have shown interest in Blackmon—and there are quite a few—envision him at receiver, which is where he played in the offseason at the recent Champion Gridiron Kings 7-on-7 event in Florida. He could also be a prospect at defensive back.
“I don’t have a favorite (position),” Blackmon told the Fontana Herald News. “I like them all. Any way you can get the ball in my hands, I feel comfortable with that.”
Blackmon has narrowed his choices to six schools: Alabama, California, USC, UCLA, Washington, Florida and Oregon. He has already been invited to play in the All American Under Armour game on Jan. 2.
Adding to his allure is that he runs track star for Summit, specializing in the 110-meter hurdles. His 40-yard dash time is a blistering 4.41 seconds.
