Blanton is a versatile defender who can attack from multiple positions, his ability to see the field well and make plays from all angles makes him a valuable playmaker defensively. Kaleb has the skill set to rush the passer off edge, he has an elite first step that allows him to attack blockers with his speed, he uses an array moves along with violent hands to keep his opponent from getting to his body and he closes on the quarterback with intentions of getting a sack or causing a turnover. When he lines up at middle linebacker, this allows him to attack offenses from sideline to sideline, showing off his range to make plays and he comes up in run support under control and lays the wood. The Rice signee, will definitely head to campus with the opportunity to challenge for playing time as a freshman.

Blanton plays fast, he moves well in space and his ability to play from sideline to sideline allows him to make plays consistently. Kaleb plays with excellent leverage at the point of attack, he has superb vision which enables to read, diagnose and react to plays quickly and his closing speed to the ball carrier is what makes his game stick out. Blanton has a versatile game, he plays the passing lanes well showing the ability to shut down the pass and he can line up at the line of scrimmage, rush the passer and make plays on the football to change the game. Kaleb had a phenomenal 2022 season, tallying 106 tackles with 2 sacks and an interception. Blanton made his college selection early in the spring this offseason, choosing to stay close to home and play for the Rice Owls. Look for Blanton to get the opportunity to challenge for playing time when he steps on campus.

Hometown hero! I am blessed to announce that I am verbally committing to Rice University 💙🤍 @RiceFootball @RiceOwlsFB @mbloom11 @Coachblsmith @CoachKay713 @CoachTSauer @CoachRegalado @JessicaMorrey @HokaHeyFootball @CoachKirkMartin @jeffries_jacob #GoOwls #HCville pic.twitter.com/HEmM5cHDZO

— Kaleb “KB” Blanton (@KalebBlanton3) April 11, 2023

I’m genuinely surprised not many people are talking about this kid. He is a tackling machine! Blanton has great size for the linebacker position, really good speed and aggression. He is a problem in the running and passing game. He reads the receivers’ routes and breaks on the throw. Blanton has a really good feel for angles and comes downhill quickly to fill the hole. I like his pursuit to the football. He does not get faked by backfield motion and once he sees the football…..and he will get the football. He takes on blocks effortlessly and uses his technique. Already one of the leaders of the Manvel defense, Blanton elevates the play of his teammates and will continue that through his senior year.