A Fresh Start for LeGarrette Blount in Tennessee

I am excited that LeGarrette Blount signed for the Tennessee Titans. When I first heard that Blount had spurned the San Francisco 49ers in favor of the Titans I wasn’t surprised. Only Blount could take something simple like signing a free agent contract and cause controversy. Blount has a history of making headlines for the wrong reasons. /

Blount spent his first two years of college at East Mississippi Community College and was known for his outstanding performance on the field. He ran for over 1,000 years in each of this two years (2292 total) and scored 18 touchdowns. He was a Junior College All-American and was listed as one of the top junior college prospects in the country. This kid was all upside!

When Blount transferred to the University of Oregon in 2007 he began his Duck career by sharing carries with Jeremiah Johnson. This was the first time in Blount’s career that he was sharing the ball and he didn’t particularly like it. Blount did score a school-record 17 rushing touchdowns his junior year and he and Johnson both ran for over 1000 yards.

As I commented on Monday, he was suspended twice during his junior year at the University of Oregon by the head coach at that time, Mike Bellotti. Bellotti suspended Blount for ‘not following team rules’ in November of that season and then again the during the offseason for ‘failure to fulfill team obligations’. Blount seemed to have turned a corner after the suspension and was reinstated by new coach Chip Kelly. Blount improved his academic attendance and was praised by teammates for an improved attitude.

What followed was the unfortunate meltdown Blount suffered against Boise St after the first game of his senior year. Blount punched an opposing player in the face and confronted a group of opposing fans. The details of that event have been covered in great detail in the past and don’t need review. What does matter was the outcome, Blount missed almost his entire senior year. /

Blount has been referred to by some draft experts as a 2nd/3rd round talent who went undrafted due to the uncertainty surrounding his character and maturity. I originally was very skeptical of Blount coming in and being an effective part of the Titan’s roster, specifically as Chris Johnson’s backup.

After giving it some more thought I realized that what Blount needs more than anything right now is support as he fights for spot in the National Football League. Until he gives me reason doubt him I am going to give the hopefully new and improved LeGarrette Blount my full support and not knock him for past mistakes.

Hopefully he has learned his lesson and is appreciative of the chance that the Tennessee Titans are taking by giving him a spot on the team.

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