Senior Feature - Dwayne Blakley
10/2/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 29, 2001
By Alexis Birge
MU Media Relations Office
"I guess it all starts with my mom."
Ever since Dwayne Blakley, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end for Mizzou, can remember, his mom has been his number one fan.
"She's one of those types of parents that doesn't tolerate anything but the best," said Blakley. "Whether that be in the classroom or on the field, she's always pushing me."
Freda Blakley kept pushing him toward his personal goals as well as his athletic ones and helped him develop the skills he would need to succeed.
And succeed he did.
As a senior in high school Blakley was recruited in basketball by Wichita State, UMKC and Western Illinois and in football by Missouri and Kansas State.
Not only was he faced with the decision of which school to attend, but he also needed to choose which sport. That decision was made easier when high school teammate Aaron Crittendon signed with the Tigers that same year.
"We've been best friends since elementary school," said Blakley. "His signing was a big influence on my decision."
After signing with the Tigers, Blakley's success would continue.
He sat out the 1997 season as a redshirt but earned scout team "Player of the Week" honors for his efforts.
Blakley would play in every game as a redshirt freshman in 1998, twice getting the starting nod.
In 1999, Blakley was an honorable mention selection to the All-Big 12 Conference team. He caught six touchdowns to tie for the team lead and ranked fourth on the Tigers' receiving chart with 22 receptions.
To open the 2000 season, Blakley was honored with a nomination for the John Mackey Award, which recognizes the nation's top tight end.
But his junior season would end on a disappointing note.
During a practice, Blakley suffered a neck injury that forced him to sit out the last game of the season.
Blakely's determination and tenacity pushed him to return for his senior season and cherish every moment.
"Standing on the sidelines watching, I realized, being a senior you only have so many chances left to be on the field," said Blakley. "Every time I go out there, whether it be practice or in the game, I really treasure that experience."
Through all of his experiences on the team, Blakely has emerged as one of the team's leaders. His teammates also acknowledge that fact as he was voted one of the team captains.
"The main thing I take pride in being team captain is that my teammates voted on it and that means they respect me," said Blakley.
His leadership qualities and relationship with his fellow players are sure to help carry him and his teammates through this season.
Today's game against Nebraska should bring back good memories for Blakley. He caught a season-best five passes for 45 yards in last season's contest against NU.
When asked about his attitude going into today's game against fourth-ranked Nebraska, Blakely smiled and said, "I don't look at all that, I just go into the game like any other, and shoot for the sky."
