WATCH: Safety Josh Blackwell impressed with freshmen WRs from day one

Sophomore safety talks freshmen, leadership, Va Tech

Redshirt sophomore Josh Blackwell has been one of the leaders in Duke’s secondary this year. Through three games, the safety has eight tackles, six of them solo. He’s also tied for the team lead with two pass breakups.

Blackwell met with the media during Duke’s bye week. In part one of two videos featuring his comments in their entirety, he talked about starting ACC play, which he doesn’t think will be a big change from the non-conference schedule.

“I don’t think there’s anything different,” he said. “I think we practice just like any other game. We’ve got our scouting report … It’s a hostile environment, a bigger stage, but I still think it’s nothing different. WE’ve got to play our brand of ball.”

He also talked about his role on the secondary this year, especially with Mark Gilbert out for an extended period recovering from offseason surgery.

“Maturity is probably the word I would use,” he said, of the difference in his role from last year. “I have to be the older guy in the room, take the leadership role from Mark, take the younger guys under my wing.”

Blackwell also gets the task of trying to defend Duke’s freshmen receivers—Jalon Calhoun, Eli Pancol and Darrell Harding Jr.—each day in practice. He gave his perspective on the kids.

“I knew from when they first came in the spring that they would be special,” he said. “They’re phenomenal players, and they’ve shown that. They make us better, and we make them better.”