Balance
For Faulk, he will attempt to wreak havoc on the outside, kicking inside on passing downs. Yet, for Blocton, he will be entrusted to make interior offensive linemen’s lives difficult for four quarters. Not to mention, playing next to Faulk means someone is going to see single-blocking. As a result, that defender should get home and take up residence in the backfield.
Leadership
For a sophomore, Blocton brings a maturity to the field that you don’t see often. Additionally, with limited snaps and spots available, competition along the defensive line will be at a fever pitch. Yet, instead of rooting against his teammates, he emphasized and lauded their positive traits. For instance, during spring practice, he assessed the talents of his younger linemates.
“Jourdin Crawford might be the strongest human I have ever seen with my own two eyes,” Blocton told Auburn Undercover. “He’s so strong, and he plays so physically all the time. Malik Autry, he’s probably the most advanced out of the ones we brought in. He really can go. Darrion Smith, he’s probably the best pass rusher that we’ve brought in.”
Teams win games in the trenches. The close-quarter conflict dictates the action. Blocton may not jump off the screen, but you can almost guarantee that he will be the one racing Faulk to the play.