Decision pays off for Blackmon

Tatum, Texas, cornerback Carson Blackmon had a tough decision to make back in early July. Head to the Houston mini-camp that was being held in Kilgore, Texas, or drive across the state line to attend a full camp at Louisiana Tech. Blackmon, who is 5-foot-10 and 159 pounds, decided to stay closer to home, and it's a decision that he's not regretted one bit.

"I went to the one-day camp at Houston, and they offered me right after it," Blackmon said. "It was a really good deal for me, so I went ahead and committed."

Blackmon was also getting attention from Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, but Houston was the first offer he got and he jumped all over it.

"After talking to the coaches it felt like my high school because the coaches were so interested in me personally and it felt right," Blackmon said. "They love their players, and I love that about them."

Blackmon said he was recruited by assistant coach Randy Clements.

"He's a cool guy," Blackmon said. "I like him a lot."

Blackmon hopes to make an impact at Houston right away.

"I'm ready now," he said. "I think I have a good shot at playing early there. They're young at cornerback and it's an up-and-coming program. I got to know some of the players when I went down there. I like Vincent Washignton. He's a cool guy."

Blackmon will open his senior season against Jefferson.

"I've been working hard at improving my speed," Blackmon said. "I've been running tire drills and with a parachute. We use an old big-rig tire and attach it to a harness around our waist. We run for about 30 yards with it. That really helps improve your speed and strength."