Blake Blackman enters his first year as Assistant Defensive Line Coach in 2026.
Blackman comes to Arkadelphia from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he served as a student assistant after his playing career ended. While on staff with the Statesmen, he spent two seasons working with defensive backs and one season working with the defensive line. During Blackman's stent, WPU went from a 4-6 record to a top-15 ranking in NAIA and a playoff appearance, its first postseason since 2012.
Coach Blackman also served as defensive coordinator for the school's junior varsity team. In this role, he designed game plans and development programs for younger players while being the primary playcaller in all junior varsity contests.
Blackman played one year at William Penn after transferring from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. He was a three-year starter at defensive back for Jackson (MO) high school. During his career, the Indians compiled a 50-3 overall record and made two state championship appearances, winning the Class 5 State Championship in 2020.
