Deemed a “game changer” by MSU Coach, Mark Dantonio, just three weeks into his tenure, Blackwell was credited with immediate recruiting gains.
The last time Michigan State Spartans were Rose Bowl champions, the now Director of College Advancement and Performance & Camp Director, Curtis Blackwell, was just a 10-year-old tyke throwing around a football with dreams of a career in sports.
25 years later, August 2013, MSU made it official in hiring Blackwell to oversee Spartans’ football recruiting efforts.
“What does it mean? Well, it should help with recruiting, obviously. I’ve said before that Dantonio and staff have raised the talent floor, and they bring in good classes and find diamonds in the rough. They still need to raise the talent ceiling, and the hope is that Blackwell will do that,” said Chris Vannini, Managing editor of “The Only Colors.”
On Saturday, December 7, MSU recorded its school-record 12th win of the 2013 season by defeating second-ranked Ohio State, 34-24, in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Despite the suspension of one of MSU’s top players, Linebacker, Max Bullough, his spirit remained on the field, and MSU defeated Stanford in the 100th Rose Bowl Game on January 1 with a final score of 24 – 20.
Though many are crediting Blackwell’s recruiting prowl for MSU’s success, Blackwell states, “There’s no ‘I’ in team! Give credit where credit is due – the unwavering talent and extraordinary athletic ability amongst our players, and the successful and relentless coaching and mentoring efforts/ability from our coaches and team staff … they’re the reason. I’m just excited to be a part of the team and assist in any way I can.”
Through Blackwell’s Foundation, “Lifting As We Climb,” the “Sound Mind Sound Body” football camp, coupled with his unparalleled connections within football, Blackwell has mentored, conditioned, groomed and “lifted” a few of the nation’s top collegiate prospects right up to MSU (two most known): Ed Davis, LB and Tony Lipett, WR.
Appreciating Blackwell’s humble demeanor, but given the fact that it has been 26 years since MSU won the Rose Bowl, one can’t help but credit Blackwell.
