Lily Saba is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde for AZPreps365.com

 

Bobby Blackburn, Campo Verde’s senior varsity football player and captain, has overcome a lot to be as great as he is today. After dealing with two major injuries, he has put himself on a path of gratefulness - just as much as greatness. 

Playing football from the age of 5, Blackburn has always loved the physicality and brotherhood of the game. With his dad being an athletic trainer, Blackburn grew up on the sidelines of a high school football field. 

“As far back as we can remember he always wanted to play football. His first word was "ball" and he started playing flag football when he was 5.” Blackburn's mother, Carrie, said. 

But flag football wasn’t enough for Blackburn, he wanted to play tackle football. 

“I would beg him (his father) to play tackle, and until he let me, he taught me the game,” said Blackburn. “Not the techniques, but how to play the game with heart and toughness.”

 

Bobby Blackburn embraces his father before the start of a game. (Lily Saba photo/AZPreps365)

 

Blackburn’s biggest challenge in playing football has been injuries. First there was the L5 vertebrae break in his back his freshman year, and then dealing with a broken neck his sophomore year. 

“The doctors said I was out for the year, and I wouldn’t ever squat again,” said Blackburn. “I played the last three games and I squat whenever coach Cornell tells me to… I still have some scars from the turf burn, but I sat for a week and then I kept playing.”

His parents, being athletic trainers, know how serious injuries can be to a sports participant.. 

“I believe he has had about 17 fractures, that we know of... and I say that because we have taken him for x-rays before and they have pointed out old fractures that we did not know about,” Carrie said. “The kid plays hard and that has consequences sometimes.”. 

Blackburn’s love for the game is a strong point on the team. Being a captain, Blackburn leads his team with consistency. He shows his team to be the best you have to work for it.

“He leads through his words, actions and behaviors,” said football coach Ryan Freeman. “He shows consistently that no matter what position you are in, you have to be willing to do the dirty work and not seek any special treatment.”

Blackburn believes that holding each other accountable while also maintaining a great relationship on and off the field is the key to creating strong chemistry within the team.

Focusing on the team and what it needs to accomplish is how Blackburn mentally prepares for big games. Whether he expects a bigger performance from himself or not, he doesn’t change anything he would normally do for a regular season game. 

“I’ve played many tough games, and I’ve won and lost,” he said. “I don’t feel that the opponent is what I focus on.” 

Blackburn has grown up in an academic environment, both of his parents being high school teachers. He was taught school is important and he needs to do well. His parents challenged him, helping him to become a smart and capable student and athlete.

“My dad taught me that being at school everyday was important,” he said, “so I should just accept it and make it fun.”

Blackburn doesn’t just excel academically, he also excels in all aspects of football. Being an all-around player, Blackburn is used on both sides of the ball, as well as on special teams. 

“He is unique in that you can plug and play him anywhere on the field at any time.” Freeman said. 

He currently plays running back, defensive back, and occasionally a kicker. This season he has a total of 565 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 128 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown. On defense, he has two total tackles. He has 21 kickoffs this season for a total of 1,029 yards. The team is sitting at a record of 7-3, and just won its first 5A San Tan region title.

 

Bobby Blackburn kicks an extra point during a game (Lily Saba photo/AZPreps365)

Blackburn has many qualities that make him a great asset for any football team. His advice to younger players is to give it their all. 

"You don’t get too much time to play this awesome game, so while you have it, train as hard as you can and have fun while you do it.” Blackburn said. “There’s too much fun to be had and too many life lessons to be learned when you play football to half-ass it.”

Freeman believes Blackburn's constant desire to improve will drive him in all aspects of his future.

“Bobby will be successful because he has a belief that nothing is ever good enough and that you have to continue to work, get better,” Freeman said.

While Blackburn has not made a decision on where or if he will be playing football in college, he has had contact with many coaches over the last year. 

“I’m so excited for what the future has for me!”