Dakota Blackwell named GLIAC Player of the Week
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HOUGHTON -- The Michigan Tech Huskies football team earned another conference honor Monday. Senior defensive back Dakota Blackwell was named the GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
"It was awesome (to see him get recognized)," said Huskies coach Dan Mettlach. "He’s a physical player. He’s down around the box all the time, and right before that block punt, missed a tackle that ended up scoring and to be able to flush that and move on. I think it was a very nice drive, (to) get the block and set up that score was just awesome by him to see that mentality. 'I’m not going to let one play ruin the rest of the game.' (He) went and made another play, and then, of course, at the end of the game, (he) is the one that breaks up the pass to get the ball back to us.
"So, he’s been great. Has been for two years, three years now, whatever it’s been. We’re going to expect big things from him this weekend as well. He’s going to get challenged again this weekend, and we’re going to have another big game out of him and the rest of the guys on that side of the football as well."
Blackwell blocked two punts on Saturday in the Huskies’ 27-20 victory at Saginaw Valley State. His second blocked punt led to a scoop-and-score by teammate Jadon Bender.
Mettlach loves Blackwell's leadership on the field and has seen him take strides this season.
"He’s not a big rah rah kind of guy, but I do think that there’s been times at practice, whether it be on special teams, or on the defensive end, where he’s doing his best to communicate back there, and get guys on the same page," Mettlach said. "(He) has taken a big step with that. A year ago, I would have said he probably doesn’t say a word back there, but has taken a step forward. You would expect a guy to be in his last year of eligibility, comfortable with doing that kind of stuff. (He's) been much better. But, he's a quiet kid, unless it’s time to joke around, then he has no problem doing that kind of stuff."
Blackwell was second on the team with eight total tackles on Saturday, recording three solos and five assisted tackles. He has 52 total tackles this season.
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The No. 14-ranked Huskies are 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the GLIAC and host No. 12 Davenport at Kearly Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.