Gabe Brooks on Morice Blackwell
" ..... Evaluation notes: Blackwell has lined up all over Arlington Martin's defense and produced terrific numbers for the past two seasons. He could become a box safety in the right scheme, but given the style of today's game and his frame length, Blackwell likely best suits an off-line linebacker role that will allow him to play in space and roam in pursuit.
In the 6-foot-1, 195- to 200-pound range, Blackwell owns a lean, athletic build with good length that should help him continue to gain some mass in college. He will need to add some more good weight to combat college-level blockers in the run game.
Having said that, his pursuit ability is outstanding. He shows plenty of range and his straight-line speed when closing on a target is one of his best traits. Blackwell shows the ability to provide the big hit when the opportunity arises, and he's unafraid to crash in-the-box traffic to make plays against the run.
Blackwell's participation in track and field is limited but encouraging. He owns a personal record of 11.60 in the 100 meters, a number that suggests he can improve his top-end speed, though his functional play speed is good. He also owns a 5-10 mark in the high jump.
Moving around the formation could be one of Blackwell's best characteristics as he projects to the next level. To do so effectively, he will need to hone his coverage skills, as the majority of his playmaking in high school has been downhill, forward-oriented action. There's a bit of literal stiffness to him at times, but that's not surprising for a player of his length who's asked to attack in most situations.
Blackwell could get on the field early on special teams, where he has thrived for Arlington Martin, and where his frame and play speed shine. He has the potential to provide an early impact as a special teamer, with the long-term ceiling of becoming a multi-year starter with aspirations beyond the college level. ...."