Huskers Sign Talented Florida Player

Lincoln---Tom Blackwell, a talented player from Ponte Verda, Fla., signed a letter of intent on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to play for the Nebraska men's tennis team next season. Blackwell is the only player to sign a letter of intent for the Huskers for the fall signing period and becomes the first player from the state of Florida to sign with the Huskers since at least 1993.

Competing for Nease High School, Blackwell won the 2008 Division Two Singles Title for Class 3A in Florida as a junior. Blackwell also placed second at the National Open in Del Ray Beach, Fla., in August and placed third at the National Open in Tallahassee, Fla., in July. Blackwell is ranked at No. 65 in the current national rankings for his age group.

Head coach Kerry McDermott is excited about the potential Blackwell brings to the Husker program.

"He is a very good kid, who I think will reach a very high level over the next four years at Nebraska," McDermott said.  "I love how he makes you win points from him and how good of a competitor he is. He made a recruiting trip in October and really liked the team, academics, facilities and coaches. We're anxious to start working with him soon."

Blackwell will arrive on campus for the start of the Huskers' 2010 fall season. Check back to Huskers.com for more updates on the Husker tennis team.