From the day @Dblackwell_ stepped on the field with @TMPMafia7v7 he displayed the leadership of a young man that you stand behind in life & on the field. Love you nephew & Iโm proud of you. Any weapon formed against you gave you a new tool in your life chest! Bet on Black!
DITV Player Spotlight: Dorian Blackwell @dblackwell03
Position: Defensive Back | #22
Height/Weight: 6โ2โ / 178 lbs
Class: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Folsom, CA
High School: Spanish Springs HS
Before landing in the 956, Dorian Blackwell was making plays in northern Nevada at Spanish Springs High School โ a program built on grit, versatility, and blue-collar toughness. He did it all there: cornerback, wide receiver, special teams. His all-around game and 6โ2โ frame caught the attention of college recruiters, eventually earning him spots at Nevada and Maine, where he recorded 17 tackles in 2024, including a career-best 8 against Monmouth.
Spanish Springs may not have the national spotlight, but itโs produced athletes who grind their way to the next level. Just ask Jake Jackson, a 2016 Spanish Springs grad who became an All-Pac-12 wrestler at Stanford and NCAA qualifier. Thatโs the type of quiet-dog mentality that defines themโ no hype, just work.
Before Spanish Springs, Blackwellโs foundation was laid in Folsom, California, where football is practically a second religion. Folsom is a California powerhouse โ loaded with state titles, national rankings, and a legacy of producing elite talent:
๐น Jake Browning โ Set national HS passing records, starred at Washington, and now starts for the Cincinnati Bengals
๐น Jordan Richards โ Stanford safety, NFL Draft pick by the Patriots
๐น Joe Ngata โ Former Clemson WR, signed with the Eagles
๐น Elijhah Badger โ WR1 at Boise State after lighting it up at ASU
๐น Josh Falo โ Tight end at USC, red zone threat
Iron sharpens iron, and thatโs what Blackwell was forged in.
Now in the 956, he brings experience, length, and bounce-back mentality to the Valley and UTRGV secondary โ a battle-tested DB whoโs seen it all and isnโt backing down from anyone.
Off the field: Dorian is the son of Cantina, and football runs deep in the bloodline. His older brother, Davion, plays at Austin Peay, and the two were teammates at Nevada. His future plans? To flip the game on the business side โ Blackwell wants to become a sports agent and open doors for the next wave.
From Spanish Springs grit to Folsom fire โ Dorian Blackwell is ready to lock it down for the Valley.
#UTRGVditv #rallythevalley #SpanishSpringsGrit #FolsomTough #WinToday
@UTRGVFootball@utrgv@blackwell_mama
The best part of being a Coach! @Dblackwell_ This young man is going to do great things. Drove hours to see my kids! Canโt wait to watch you ball this year!
First in our family! GOD has been good & faithful. Davion is growing into a MAN of GOD-so proud of his hard work & trust in the process, even without a blueprint. Thank you, village! Davion, keep going & keep GOD at the center. The best is yet to come! #ProudMom#AustinPeay ๐น๐ค