Darrell Blackman produce a return that could be just as damaging.

Accomplishing that mission will be challenging. Blackman, as UVa coach Al Groh pointed out this week with the media, is one of the best return men to ever play in the ACC. He brings the perfect blend of speed, elusiveness, and vision to make him a threat every time there is a small opening.

Doubt it? Ask Clemson. Blackman returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against the Tigers earlier this season. That is one of four times (see the statistics below) that the NCSU standout has produced a return for touchdown in his career. He’s dangerous with the football in the open field.

But it’s not just the ‘home run ball’ with Blackman. He is usually productive in the return game even if he can’t break one for points. The senior has 1,636 career kickoff return yards, which ranks him third in State’s history. He is also third in school history with 718 punt return yards. Blackman’s career kick return average of 27.3 yards per attempt is second in school history and his 10.11 yards per punt return places him eighth. In other words, he changes field position and that can influence outcomes.

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