Parent Q & A: Evan Blankenship
08/31/2009
Always fighting back tears, Paula Blankenship is in constant awe of her son and his extraordinary journey as a Buckeye football player. Blessed with fantastic vocals, it is no surprise Evan Blankenship enjoys karaoke with his family. With such talent under his belt, it is intriguing to watch this sophomore offensive lineman sing with such grace one day while being a tenacious force on the line the next. His size has worked to his advantage, as OSU coaches were drawn to him in 10th grade at a camp. Detailing the past 20 years with her son, Paula Blankenship explains who Evan is behind the scenes.
Q: What year did your son start playing football?
A: Evan didn’t start playing football until the 8th grade. After which, he went on to letter all 4 years of his high school football career.
Q: When were you first aware that your son had the potential talent to play at the collegiate level?
A: I would have to say I was first aware of Evan’s potential to play at the collegiate level when he went to his first OSU camp the summer of his high school sophomore year. I vividly remember Coach Daniels being at our check-in table and commenting on Evan’s size. It was at that moment, I knew, he was going to play at the next level.
Q: Did he always dream of playing at OSU?
A: Absolutely! As a child, OSU was always Evan’s favorite team. As he got older, I realized how much he was interested in OSU. Then I looked into the OSU camps and the rest is history..
Q: What other sports was he involved with?
A: Evan played basketball up until his senior year. He was also on the track team participating in discus, javelin and shot put..
Q: What are some of his non-sports hobbies?
A: He enjoys playing Xbox, Playstation, Guitar Hero, karaoking with his aunts & uncles, dining out and when he gets to come home, spending time with his family and friends..
Q: Are you aware of any superstitions he has before games?
A: I wouldn’t say he has any superstitions, but when he dresses for a game, he has a routine in how he puts on his pads, etc.
Q: Do you have your own superstitions for before/during games?
A: I do not have any superstitions before or during games. I leave it to the hands of fate..
Q: How nervous do you get before/during his games?
A: Oh, I won’t deny it…….I do get nervous during the games for Evan’s sake as well as the whole team! I have a competitive spirit and want to win every game!!.
Q: What do you see as his most memorable play/moment of his career thus far?
A: The most memorable moment every game is when the team runs through the tunnel onto the field. I tear up every time seeing him on the field..
Q: What has been your favorite part about your son’s overall collegiate football experience?
A: My favorite part of his of football career thus far has been his ability to experience and travel playing the Big 10 teams and Bowl Games. I enforce to my children to travel and experience different cities and his football career is enhancing that opportunity for him to do so..
Q: What is the hardest part about watching your son play college football?
A: First, holding back the tears every time I see him run onto the field and second, I pray he doesn’t get injured..
Q: What has been your favorite part about being tied in with the Ohio State football family?
A: As a football parent, it’s been wonderful being involved with the football parents association. It has been an absolute lifesaver!!
Q: What is your favorite part of game days?
A: This is easy! It’s “The Walk”, watching the players and coaches walk from the Blackwell to St. John’s Arena to the stadium. I never miss it..
Q: Do any siblings or relatives play a collegiate sport as well? If so, name them and their sport.
A: Not at this time..
Q: What was his first word?
A: “Mum”.
Q: What did your son want to be when he grew up besides a football player?
A: An archaeologist.
Q: What is your favorite all time memory of your son? (Childhood or otherwise)
A: The past 20 years..
Q: Any embarrassing moments in his life?
A: I wouldn’t necessarily say this is embarrassing moment, but Evan asked his high school football coach’s daughter to a Winter Formal. I remember how nervous he was about asking the coach first to see if it would be okay to take her to the dance. Then during that Friday night football game, the radio announcer made mention of it for all of Beaver County to hear! .
Q: What are you most proud of when it comes to your son?
A: Knowing what an absolute, incredible, honorable young man he is.
Q: How was the recruiting visit for you as a parent and meeting Coach Tressel and the staff for the first time?
A: The whole OSU recruiting process was handled in such a top-notch fashion that it set the bar for other colleges interested in Evan. We thoroughly enjoyed the OSU recruiting process.
Q: If you could sum up Coach Tressel in one word, what would it be?
A: Genuine.
GO BUCKS!
By Kimberly Reeder, a current OSU communication major
