30 for 30: #5 Blake Blackmar — The Biggest
OL, Blake Blackmar (6-5, 332) | Houston (TX) Clear Lake
— Blackmar is the exception to Matt Rhule's rule about offensive lineman as the 2017 season draws closer. Rhule told the Baylor OL group that he expected all lineman to be in the 300 to 310-pound range. That was until they realize Blackmar was closer to 350 than 310, he just happened to carry his weight very well.
— Blackmar is one of three linemen to fall inside the top 10 on this list, and it's his road-paving ability that puts him here for me. Blackmar has started 13 games in his career including 12 at left guard as a sophomore and one as a left tackle as a redshirt freshman. He is slated to start at the left guard position as a junior.
— Along with Patrick Lawrence, Blackmar makes up the strength of Baylor's offensive line to the right side. The two have started a combined 26 games including 25 last fall as sophomores. The experience will be critical for an offense that will expect to run the ball in short-yardage situations and at the goal line. With his mass, Blackmar should be the obvious candidate to run behind the majority of the time.
— Outside of injuries, Blackmar is my key piece to the offensive line when it comes to the running game. As I mentioned, if he is able to move ground on the right side, Baylor should be able to convert regularly in short-yardage situations. If Baylor is converting in short-yardage situations, the offense is moving along nicely.
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