Honors & Awards

• Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Academic Honor Roll (2008)
• Big 12 Commissioner’s Spring Academic Honor Roll (2009)

2009 Outlook
Cornerback Justin Blatchford will compete for playing time at one of the deepest positions on the Nebraska defense. The 6-1, 195-pound Blatchford will enter fall camp listed as a reserve behind returning starter Anthony West and is among a large group of young players who will battle for action this fall. A walk-on from Ponca, Neb., Blatchford is off to a strong start in the classroom, earning recognition on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll each of his first two semesters.

2008 (Redshirt)

Blatchford redshirted the 2008 season and worked with the scout team.

Before Nebraska (Ponca HS)

Blatchford walked on to the Nebraska program after being a four-sport athlete at Class C2 Ponca High School. On the football field, he was a two-time all-state selection at running back for Coach Joe Kvidera, and also played linebacker on defense. He set the school career record with 66 touchdowns on the ground, while rushing for over 1,000 yards three seasons and averaging more than seven yards per carry during his career. He also set the school’s single-game rushing record with a 283-yard performance against Randolph. He was all-state honorable mention as a sophomore and was an all-conference selection all four years, while leading Ponca to the state playoffs three seasons. He also played in the 2008 Shrine Game.

Blatchford also earned letters all four years in basketball, baseball and golf. He was a two-time all-conference selection from his guard position on the basketball team, while leading his squad to a state championship his junior year. He placed in the top 10 all four years at the state golf tournament, and guided Ponca to a state runner-up finish his junior season. On the diamond, he played numerous positions, including outfield and catcher, and was a two-time state champion for Wakefield.

In the classroom he was on the honor roll all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society.