Greatest college football player born in each state
With a total land area of 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, and with a population just north of one million people, the Ocean State ranks No. 43 in total population. Also, there is no FBS football in Rhode Island. Therefore, the number of star college football players to hail from the state is relatively low, even when compared with others in the northeast.
However, former Boston College standout Will Blackmon was a standout on offense, defense and special teams during his four-year career with the Eagles. As a freshman in 2002, Blackmon was a cornerback and kick returner responsible for 630 kick return yards (22.5 average) and an interception.
Blackmon picked off four passes as a sophomore, and posted a career-high 922 kick return yards, but proved to be even more dynamic with the football in his hands as a junior with a 27.2-yard kick return average and returned his first kickoff for a touchdown. He also took over as BC’s primary punt returner and averaged 11.3 yards on 23 returns, including a TD, and added three interceptions.
Needing a spark on offense in 2005, Blackmon shifted to wide receiver for the Eagles and caught 51 passes for 763 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. He added 22.2 yards per kick return and 8.3 yards per punt return and helped Boston College win nine games for the third time in his four seasons in Chestnut Hill.
Other Notable College Football Players Born in Rhode Island:
- Al Del Greco, K, Auburn
- Steve Furness, DL, Rhode Island
- Tom Mitchell, TE, Bucknell
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