Frogs secure grad transfer DE in former four star Shameik Blackshear

The Frogs have been in the market for an experienced defensive end to replace the highly-impactful duo of Ben Banogu and LJ Collier, both now TCU alumni. They seem to have found their answer in the form of former four star prospect Shameik Blackshear, a grad transfer DE who will spend his finally season of eligibility playing for Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs.

Blackshear, who stands 6’5”, weighs 267 pounds, and has been clocked at a 4.6 40, has a pretty interesting back story and seems to be a prime candidate for a fresh start. A five star recruit as a sophomore in high school, Shameik was the #12 recruit, at any position, in the country as the offers began pouring in. But injuries his junior and senior year saw his recruiting fall off some, though he still had nine offers, including Clemson, Florida, Florida State, and Georgia before choosing US of C.

His first year on campus, Blackshear was the victim of a shooting, taking bullets in the upper and lower body at a club just a stone’s throw from campus. The incident forced him to take a redshirt year as he recovered, slowing his development in the process. After three straight seasons of dealing with various medical issues, Blackshear saw the field during 17 games over his redshirt freshmen and sophomore campaigns before playing in all 13 contests in 2018. He recorded 15 tackles, four TFLs, and one sack, the first of his career.

If Blackshear can capture his immense promise under Patterson, or even just a fraction of it, he has a chance to be an impactful player on a stacked defensive line for the Frogs in 2019. Playing outside of the disruptive duo of Ross Blacklock and Corey Bethley, and across from young talented players like Ochaun Mathis, Brandon Bowen, and Gary Overshown, should give him a chance to truly shine for the Big 12’s best defense. He will certainly receive the best possible coaching in the form of one of the most respected and revered defensive minds in football.

Blackshear is the third defensive end commit in the class of 2019, joining incoming freshman signees Thomas Armstrong out of Florida and Colt Ellison of Aledo. He is the fourth pledge on the D-Line and 12th defensive signee overall.

Welcome to the Frog fam, Shameik!