Past Gamecock discusses Future Gamecock

GamecockIllustrated.com had the pleasure of talking with a Gamecock of the past, Fran Blanchard, regarding his son and Gamecock signee, Coty Blanchard. Great to see that Coty signed with JSU today. Coty was recently named Mr. Football in Alabama, along with other awards such as being All State, 4A Back of the Year, and Cherokee County Player of the Year. There was also a national award, the Gatorade Player of the Year, along with the Anniston Star Player of the Year. We got to talk for quite a while, and I enjoyed talking with Fran. Below are some of the comments relating to Coty that Gamecock Illustrated thought you would like to know.

Q: Tell us about going through the recruiting experience as a dad.

A: Coty was dealing with a lot of different schools. With baseball and football, there were nearly 30. Coty handled it all very well. For me as his dad, it was a little stressful. We talked with the University of Alabama and Coach Saban. He was very nice and accommodating. In the end, I just don’t think a 6’ to 6’1” QB is what they are looking for. We always knew that if there were no football offers from an SEC school, JSU would be a great choice. There was interest from Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, and many others, but we love JSU. Coty has been going to Gamecock games since he was very young.

Q: Coty originally was set to go to Miss State to play baseball. What changed?

A: Mississippi State was great to us. They have a great baseball program. Everyone was so nice when we were there. Coty really enjoyed that experience. When Mississippi State offered, they needed an answer. Baseball has a very limited number of scholarships by NCAA rule, and the school had to know whether to hold a place for Coty or move on to someone else. Although Coty considered just doing baseball, I knew football is a big part of him. We talked with Coach Crowe and Coach Case. After talking with them, Coty was convinced that he could play both at JSU. Spring practice with football would be the only real conflict, but the coaches both believe it will work out.

Q: How would you describe Coty on the football field?

A: Coty has good football instincts. He makes good decisions. Coach Curry says Coty is an exceptional player with a blue chip arm. He has everything he needs to make the big play.

Also, Coty wants to have the ball in his hands with the game on the line. You hear about the QB’s that are the “game manager” types, that a coach tells “just don’t lose the game”. Coty is not that type. He believes he can make the right decision, that he can make the play that needs to be made. H can make the big play, and loves being in those situations.

Q: Coty’s high school team won the 4A State Championship. I understand you are a part of that team also. Tell us about that.

A: I have been close to the team for several years. I’ve worked with the receivers for quite a while. This past year, Coach Curry asked me to come on board in a more official way and coach the receivers. I’ve kept my distance while Coty has been there. I didn’t want to have any influence on what goes on, nor have the appearance that I do. But when Coach Curry asked me, I wanted to do what I could to help him. Coach Curry knew this team was a special group. We’ve seen them coming since they were young. The great thing about them was that they never overlooked anyone. They worked hard every week. We won most games by a comfortable margin, but they continued to work and play hard. I believe that speaks a lot about the character of these young me. I was proud to be a small part of that.

Q: So you coached another guy JSU is recruiting – Gabriel Chambers.

A: Yes, I coached Gabriel. He is a very talented young man. He is fast, and has the potential to score on any play. He is a dangerous weapon. He and Coty have been playing football together since they were little kids. It will be special for them to come to JSU together.

Q: Will Coty try to play football right away?

A: Coty is competitive, but knows there is a great QB here to learn from. Coty admires Marques Ivory and looks forward to his tutelage. Marques did a great job against Tech this past season. Coty can learn a lot from him.

Q: Tell us about Coty as a baseball player.

A: Coty can hit for power and hit in the gaps. His speed helps his game. He has good hands. He primarily played Shortstop, but also plays 2B, 3B and can play CF. Coty is looking forward to playing for Coach Case. He is a great coach. I believe Coty has a bright future in baseball. I believe Coach Case will put him in the situations that will allow Coty to shine.

Q: Any last comments about Coty coming to JSU?

A: Of course, talking with Coach Crowe and Coach Case was key. Coty will get the chance to play football and baseball here. That was big for Coty. Next, Coach Jimmy Ogle did a great job of recruiting Coty. A great relationship developed there. I know Coach Ogle cares a lot, no doubt about it. For me, there is a great confidence knowing Jim Skidmore here in Sports Medicine. He was here when I played here, and he takes care of the athletes. There is not a better person in athletic training anywhere. Knowing Jim Skidmore is still here is a big plus for JSU.

We really appreciate Fran giving us his thoughts.