Blake Freeland: Indianapolis Colts Rookie Files

Indianapolis Colts rookie Blake Freeland comes from a family of athletes and has a chance to be the first to make a professional career out of his talents.

Andrew Moore | Jul 4, 2023

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NFL players are considered some of the best athletes in the world.

It is truly astounding for men of that size to move as quickly and with as much power as they do. The athleticism is part of what makes the game so much fun to watch.

In a league where athletes are trying to get bigger, stronger, and faster, it's good to have God-given abilities at your disposal to give you an edge. Having former Division I athletes as parents certainly gives you a leg up on the competition too.

This is "Rookie Files," a series on Horseshoe Huddle that gives you the backstory of every rookie for the Indianapolis Colts. Going player by player, we look at their journeys to the NFL and what makes each unique while also detailing how they help the Colts. Next up, Blake Freeland, a kid from a family of athletes who has a chance to be the first to make his sport a career.

Blessed with Athletic Genes

Freeland was born on May 3, 2001, in Herriman, Utah, to James and Debbie Freeland. While having four sisters, he is the only son of the family. But that does not mean he is the most athletic.

James Freeland was the definition of an athlete growing up. He lettered in basketball, football, baseball, and track and field at Amador Valley High School. He was voted Northern California Athlete of the Year and went to Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) to play linebacker. After two seasons at Ricks College, James was recruited by BYU to finish out his college career from 1994-1995.

While at BYU, James met his future wife, Debbie. Debbie Freeland was also an athlete for the Cougars, playing basketball and volleyball. Debbie starred on the hardwood and was named as an honorable mention All-American. She currently sits eighth on BYU's all-time scoring list.

With a former Division I linebacker and basketball/volleyball player as parents, the Freeland children were born to be athletes. The oldest, Sierra, has already made her mark on the BYU track team as a thrower. Blake's other sisters are also heavily involved in sports.

However, it seemed that from the time he was a child, Freeland was destined to make it as an athlete. He played multiple sports growing up, including football, basketball, and track. Freeland received accolades in all three, proving he had a path to college in whatever sport he chose.

As a basketball player, he thrived in school and on his AAU team. Freeland became a multiyear captain for Herriman High School and was named honorable mention All-State as a junior.

Freeland was even more successful in track and field. He dominated the shot put, discus, and javelin on the way to being named All-State six times. Freeland broke multiple school and conference records and was named the 2019 Gatorade Utah Boys Track Athlete of the Year.

Freeland more than proved he was an incredible athlete in basketball and track. But his love was for the game of football, and he strived to play for BYU just like his father did over 20 years ago. It turns out that multiple changes would occur before that would become a reality.

A Quarterback to Start

When Freeland began his football career at Herriman, he was not protecting quarterbacks from being sacked. He was the one that needed protecting.

Freeland began his freshman season on varsity as a quarterback and helped Herriman to a 5A State championship in 2015. As a sophomore, the towering Freeland became the starter for a two-season run. He tallied 1,314 passing yards and 15 total touchdowns.

As Freeland continued to grow, almost 6'8" as a senior in high school, quarterback did not seem to be the best fit. He agreed with his coaches that he could have a better impact playing another position and imposing his athletic ability on both sides of the ball. So, as he entered his final season at Herriman, Freeland switched to tight end and defensive line.

The position switch turned out to be a very good thing, as Freeland earned All-State honors his senior year. He had made a name for himself on the football field, earning a three-star ranking and being the No.9 recruit in the state of Utah.

Because of his parents' history, BYU was always Freeland's top choice. He initially committed to the Cougars after his sophomore season when he was still playing quarterback.

But after changes to the BYU coaching staff, Freeland was unsure if the school was still the right fit. The University of Utah made a late push to lure him away. In the end, BYU convinced Freeland to stay as he would get to put on the same uniform his father did.

However, there was a caveat to all of this. Freeland would be making the transition to offensive line with the Cougars, a position he had never played before. While Freeland had always been successful in sports, this would be a challenge unlike anything he had ever faced.

A Tackle at Heart

Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Freeland arrived in Provo, Utah, ready to embrace the position change to offensive line. Not only would he have to learn the technical aspects of the position, but his body needed to go through a transformation. He would need to add a copious amount of weight if he wanted to play tackle at a competitive level.

“Early on, towards the end of high school, it was a lot of late-night shakes, early-morning shakes," Freeland admitted. "Just like 2,000-calorie protein shakes, always eating, always working out. As I got heavier, it was easier to keep weight on and keep gaining that weight. It was an uphill battle at first, but I was able to figure it out.”

The plan was for Freeland to sit and learn as a freshman without any pressure to play. He would be able to redshirt with the goal of playing as a sophomore. But by the beginning of November of that season, the plan changed.

Freeland was thrust into the starting lineup when injuries struck the BYU offensive line. He had to be the next man up, whether prepared or not. Luckily for Freeland, he is a very fast learner.

After a few early penalties, Freeland settled into the game. All of his hard work had paid off, and BYU got the victory over Utah State.

From there, Freeland started the final seven games of the 2019 season. When 2020 began, Freeland returned to a backup role for the first three games. But the Cougars' coaching staff knew he was ready, and Freeland was here to stay.

He started the final eight games at right tackle to end 2020. Freeland made the switch to left tackle to begin the 2021 season and started the final 26 games of his college career. He allowed zero sacks in 2022 on the way to being named a Third-Team All-American. Freeland accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he was ready to put on a show for NFL teams.

While Freeland had started games at right and left tackle, the Senior Bowl was a chance to show scouts he could play both positions against NFL-caliber players. Freeland had a great week in Mobile, showing his athleticism and versatility.

“I feel good playing both," Freeland revealed. "I played two seasons, both at right and left. Most recently at left, so I feel comfortable at left. I was able to play both sides at the Senior Bowl and they felt really, really good both ways.”

The next stop was the NFL draft, where Freeland was seen as a mid-round prospect. His elite athleticism at the tackle position fit the profile of an Indianapolis Colts tackle, and general manager Chris Ballard could not help but pull the trigger. The Colts selected Freeland with the No.106 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, turning his dreams into a reality.

How Freeland Helps the Colts

The Colts seem set at offensive tackle with Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith. But do not count out Freeland from being a contributor on the offensive line soon.

At 6'8" and 302 pounds, Freeland is a massive human being who was the most athletic tackle in his draft class. He has the desired size and length of an NFL offensive tackle and the speed to stick with speed rushers. He has worked hard on his hands and can slow defenders down once he gets ahold of them.

Freeland is still raw in terms of his experience on the offensive line, with only four years of total experience. He will need to continue working on his play strength as he faces stronger competition in the NFL.

Early on, Freeland is likely to be the swing tackle for the Colts with his ability to play left and right tackle. Colts coaches have been impressed with his work this spring and feel he may not be as raw as people think. For Freeland, he just wants to reach his full potential.

“It’s a dream come true," Freeland said after he was drafted. "I wasn’t expecting a call from the Colts but I’m freaking pumped about it. Ready to get going, ready to get working. As far as my o-line development, I feel like it’s been well, and I’m planning to continue and develop and get as good as I can. Just become the best offensive lineman I can be.”

In a family full of athletes, Freeland has reached the pinnacle of his sport. Time will tell how good of an offensive lineman he will be. But as Ballard always says, 'Bet on high end traits.'

With traits like Freeland, there is a good chance that the bet will hit.

More Rookie Files

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Published Jul 4, 2023

ANDREW MOORE

Andrew Moore is the Senior Analyst for Horseshoe Huddle and an Indianapolis Colts expert. Andrew is also the co-host of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast and the former co-host of A Colts Podcast.