March 23, 2012 6:46PM
Updated: March 23, 2012 8:57PM
Harold Blackmon, who played two seasons as a defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks, was announced as the new football coach at St. Laurence on Friday.
Blackmon, a Leo graduate, will be leaving his current position as a quality control coach for Northwestern.
?This is something that I?ve been kind of aiming for,? Blackmon said. ?Being a head coach is something I?ve wanted to do. I?m just thankful St. Laurence gave me an opportunity to do it.
?I?ve always had respect for St. Laurence, from playing against them every year at Leo, and then when I had an opportunity to go back a few years ago and coach at Leo. I?ve always thought they had a great foundation. For them to choose me is definitely an honor.?
At Leo, Blackmon was a member of the varsity team from 1993 to ?95 before starting for four years as a defensive back at Northwestern.
During his career, the Wildcats won two Big Ten titles. During his senior season he was named team captain, and won the Marcel Price Award as the team?s most dedicated player.
Blackmon was drafted by Seattle in 2001 and played for two seasons there before retiring for family reasons.
?My wife and I had our child, and I really just wanted to get back home,? he said. ?I spent two seasons in Seattle, and at that point and time I was young and didn?t know anything but Chicago. I just felt like I didn?t have the passion there to continue my career in Seattle.?
Blackmon was chosen for the St. Laurence position over more than 30 applicants, according to St. Laurence athletic director Jim Grannan, who resigned from his football position after the 2011 season.
?We?re real excited,? Grannan said. ?Harold was one of the four finalists out of more than 30 applicants. We just think he has a lot of energy. I think that?s what the program need right now, someone to instill some energy.?
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