Newberry College Athletics

Blanton was a three-time Division II All-American for the scarlet and gray (2009-11) and was the 2010 Division II National Champion at 184 lbs. with a 41-8 record that season. He has two of Newberry's three 40-plus win seasons and holds the top three spots for most pins in a season.

His 143 career wins and 64 career falls are Newberry records and he is one of only four Newberry wrestlers to qualify for four Division II National Tournaments. Newberry was 75-16-1 in dual action with two NWCA National Duals runner-up finishes in his time on the mat.

Blanton was also a punter and receiver on the football team in 2006-07, where he helped the Indians qualify for their first-ever NCAA playoff berth and South Atlantic Conference championship in 2006.