2012 NFL Draft: Interview with Cornerback/Safety Robert Blanton

Robert Blanton is a corner and safety prospect in the NFL Draft. He fits in well with both man and zone schemes. Blanton would be a great fit in a big nickel role for many teams and has excellent athletic potential.

He was a two-year starter and two-year nickel corner at Notre Dame. He averaged 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, half a sack, two interceptions and four pass break-ups every year. He also had two return touchdowns in his career (punt return and interception) and even blocked a kick. He's also a big contributor on special teams.

Scott Carasik: What's the Robert Blanton story? Where did you grow up and what kind of experience did you have growing up?

Robert Blanton: I grew up in a military family. My step-dad was in the Air Force, so I traveled a little bit as a kid and in sixth grade, we finally moved to North Carolina and retired there. And I kind of grew up in North Carolina the rest of my life and made my way out to Notre Dame.

Scott Carasik: Being from North Carolina, what led you to pick Notre Dame over a more local college like UNC or Duke? What other schools were out there that you were considering?

Robert Blanton: At the end, it was between Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. And when I went up to see Notre Dame, you know, it just felt like the right place to be. It felt like the best place for me.

Scott Carasik: What are your biggest strengths on the field?

Robert Blanton: I would say my intelligence, my competitive drive.

Scott Carasik: What are your biggest weaknesses on the field?

Robert Blanton: Just making sure I’m hungry and consistent every play.

Scott Carasik: How about off the field, what are your biggest strengths and weaknesses there?

Robert Blanton: Off the field, a big strength is kindness. A weakness would be working on my patience.

Scott Carasik: It looks like some teams like you at corner and others at safety. Where do you think your best fit would be?

Robert Blanton: Anywhere! You know, just having the opportunity to play is just going to be amazing.

Scott Carasik: Who is your biggest inspiration in the current NFL? How have they inspired you?

Robert Blanton: Honestly, I don’t believe I have one. I enjoy watching them all and they are all amazing players. Just hoping I can get to that level one day and showcase my abilities. Hopefully I can dominate like a lot of those top names.

Scott Carasik: Trying to get you in trouble here, who would you most like to lay a huge hit on in the NFL?

Robert Blanton: Everyone.

Scott Carasik: Who was the best WR or TE that you faced in college?

Robert Blanton: I would say my teammate, Michael Floyd.

Scott Carasik: What style of coverage do you feel you play in best, zone or man?

Robert Blanton: I like man coverage a lot. Press man and off man. We mix it up a lot at Notre Dame, and press man is my favorite.

Scott Carasik: When you were at the East-West Shrine game, what teams were showing interest in you?

Robert Blanton: I talked to over 20 teams down there, so I believe it was quite a few.

Scott Carasik: Thanks for your time Robert! We wish you luck in the NFL!

Blanton is looking like a seventh-round pick in the draft and could be a steal for depth in the secondary. Blanton is a 6'1", 208-pound secondary player with the versatility that will get him drafted.

Special thanks to Shawn at XAM Sports for her help setting up this interview.