Jourdan Blake is taking his talents to the NFL, joining the Las Vegas Raiders as a player personnel assistant. This move marks a significant step in Blake's career, as he transitions from his role as director of recruiting logistics at Notre Dame. Blake shared the news with his followers on Instagram, signaling the next chapter in his professional journey.
Before his stint at Notre Dame, Blake was instrumental in shaping the recruiting landscape at the University of Colorado. He served as the assistant director of high school relations and associate director of player personnel, working closely with head coach Deion Sanders. His expertise in player recruitment and personnel management has been honed over several years, starting back in 2019.
Blake's journey through the collegiate ranks began at SMU, where he spent two years as the recruiting coordinator from 2019 to 2021. He briefly ventured to TCU in 2022, taking on a similar role with the Horned Frogs, before returning to SMU as the director of recruiting operations later that year. His ability to navigate the competitive world of college football recruiting has been a testament to his strategic acumen and understanding of the game.
Before his career off the field, Blake was a cornerback, showcasing his skills at Baylor for three seasons. He played in 14 games from 2015 to 2017, before transferring to SMU in 2018 for his senior year.
There, he appeared in all 12 games and laid the groundwork for his post-graduate opportunities with the team. Blake holds a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science from Baylor and furthered his education with a Master's in sports management and administration at SMU.
Blake's transition to the NFL with the Raiders is a notable milestone, reflecting his dedication and the breadth of experience he brings to the table. As he steps into this new role, it's clear that his journey through the ranks of college football has prepared him well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the professional arena.
In Other News...
Former Notre Dame QB Sends CJ Carr A Telling Message
Kenny Mincheys move out of South Bend was always going to leave a little ripple behind, given how long he had been part of Notre Dames quarterback room and how many different faces he watched cycle through it. After backing up the likes of Sam Hartman, Riley Leonard, Steve Angeli and then CJ Carr, Minchey decided a fresh start was the best path for him, a choice that also closed the book on a stint that included 10 games in an Irish uniform.
Even after leaving, Minchey made it clear theres no bitterness attached to the quarterback battle he lost. He offered support for Carr and Notre Dame heading into the season, while also pointing to Kentuckys coaching staff and quarterback development as the reasons he felt comfortable making the jump. It is the kind of message that says plenty about both sides of the decision, and leaves Carr with a former teammate still pulling for him from a distance. [Read more 🡒]
Notre Dame Just Got Shut Out Of A QB Race That Mattered
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Preyear is now set to choose from Alabama, Florida and Vanderbilt when he announces his commitment on July 10, leaving Notre Dame on the outside of a race it had hoped to stay in. For a program that is always balancing long-term depth with high-end upside at quarterback, the narrowing of that list matters almost as much as the decision itself. [Read more 🡒]
Notre Dame Closing In On A Defensive Recruiting Statement
Notre Dame has already landed offensive lineman Albert Simien for its 2027 class, and the momentum around that group appears to be building on the defensive side as well. The Irish are reportedly in position to add linebacker Roman Igwebuike and defensive tackle Brayden Parks, two prospects who would give the class a much different feel if both follow through.
Igwebuike brings the kind of national profile Notre Dame wants in a linebacker target, with several programs still in the mix, while Parks has emerged as a priority along the defensive front. If the Irish can finish the job on both recruits, it would amount to a meaningful early statement for a 2027 class that is starting to take shape with some real upside. [Read more 🡒]
