Steelers among Many Interested in TCU DT Ross Blacklock

INDIANAPOLIS — If the NFL Combine is part speed dating, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock must be a particularly eligible bachelor.

The TCU lineman said on Thursday that he has 21 formal interviews that he’s either completed or scheduled to complete, including a formal interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“It sucks to be a junior,” Blacklock lamented.

Being an underclassmen generally draws additional attention, and Blacklock knew that he would be someone that would be highly sought after. So he prepared for the interviews and worked on some of the notorious combine questions that teams like to spring on players.

The Raiders were still able to surprise him.

“The Raiders told me about the 37 parking tickets I had I didn’t know about,” Blacklock said. “That’s a good thing, though. I have no bad record. That kinda threw me off. Other than, it’s been great though. It’s all be positive feedback.

Of course, it’s not just that he’s a junior that has teams interested. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle had nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a junior in 2019, providing a glimpse of untapped future potential.

But he has not put a lot on film. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2016, played in 14 games in 2017, but then missed 2018. He knows the combine process is especially important for him.

“Position drills is where I want to shine and where I’m going to progress and be able to show how good of an athlete I am,” Blacklock said. “I’m probably the most athletic defensive tackle here, just off natural skill and raw skill and ability to be lighter on my feet.”