AUBURN AUTHORITY

Angelo Blackson feels 'overlooked' during Auburn career

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn defensive lineman Angelo Blackson hits Wisconsin running back Corey Clement during the Outback Bowl.

INDIANAPOLIS – In a field of 55 defensive linemen invited to the NFL Combine, Angelo Blackson has his work cut out for him.

The former Auburn defensive tackle is trying to impress and change perceptions of him – Blackson is currently projected to go undrafted by NFLDraftScout.com.

"I got a chip on my shoulder," said Blackson, who had 17 tackles with 5 1/2 for loss, including three sacks, and six hurries last season. "I feel like I've been overlooked during my collegiate career. I want to leave an impression, I want to stand out."

Blackson has been up working at 4 a.m. this week, preparing for the biggest job interview of his life.

"I just want to get my name recognized," he said. "I want to leave a great impression on these scouts. I want to leave an everlasting impression on guys during interviews, my character."

Checking it at 6-foot-4 and 318 pounds, Blackson's goal of a 4.9 40-yard dash would be quite good for a defensive tackle of his size. He's also aiming for 30 bench press reps, also very good for a defensive tackle.

Though he was in and out of the starting lineup the last two years, Blackson said he wasn't bothered by his playing time.

"I was one of them guys who was going to take care of my business, take care of my responsibilities," he said. "If the starting lineup changed up next week, that's what it is. I'm still going to go out there and work."

Blackson compares himself to Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who has been a reliable presence during his nine-year NFL career.

"Biggest thing about him is he takes his responsibility," Blackson said. "When a play comes in his gap he makes the play, because it's in his gap."

With special teams so important to the success of rookies, Blackson's numerous blocked field goals can only help his prospects and he'll play three technique, as he did in college, or zero in a 3-4.

"Whatever they want me to do," Blackson said. "If it's going to give me a jump start I'm willing to do it."