By: KT King

Former Oklahoma State Two-Time All-American Justin Blackmon signed a four-year, $18.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars Monday night. Blackmon was the last of the thirty two 2012 first-round picks to sign.

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Missing the first 11 days of practice for the Jaguars, Blackmon is considered behind in terms of conditioning, route running and learning the playbook. Coach Mike Mularkey is no longer concerned about Blackmon’s effort to reach full potential as a receiver once Blackmon pleaded guilty to an aggravated DUI charge that occurred in June, days after a Jaguars mini-camp.

Since the DUI charge, Blackmon has changed his attitude is focused on becoming the NFL prodigy he is expected to be. However, recognitions such as the Biletnikoff Award and All-American honors will not be as simple to attain. Compared to the NCAA, the NFL’s competition is significantly tougher, players are much stronger, and the talent level is much higher.

Blackmon has proven that his future in the NFL could be an illuminated one. His determination, dedication and work ethic will determine if his future will be as decorated as expected.

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Written by Jessica K.

Growing up in a household where football consumed much of our family’s time, my passion for the sport grew quickly and immensely. My father was a Division 1 college offensive coordinator for many years.

Being nearly absorbed by the sport, football displayed what hard work and competition was. It inspired me to become involved with many different sports at a very early age and aided in the development of my dream of becoming a sideline reporter for the NFL.

I completed an internship at News Channel 3 in Kalamazoo, Michigan assisting the Sports Director, worked as a color commentator for Cornerstone University women’s basketball and was a High School Sports Reporter for MLive Media Group.

I played softball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and finished my softball career at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Despite living in Michigan nearly my entire life, I am a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. I love to run, watch sports, spend time with my friends and family, BUT I live for NFL Sundays.