Mark Blackburn #14
Name: Mark Blackburn
Number: 14
Position: DB/LB
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 230
College: University of South Dakota
Mark Blackburn will return for his sixth season in 2008. Blackburn has been involved in 567 tackles in his career and has led the team in tackles each of the last four seasons. Blackburn is the fourth returning starter from the defense to re-sign for 2008. Since Blackburn became a member of the Storm in 2003, the team has compiled a record of 69-17 and has been in four consecutive league championship games.
Blackburn led the UIF in tackles in 2007 as he compiled 114.5. Blackburn was again named to the UIF All-Star team. Blackburn has been named a UIF All-Star in each of the three seasons the UIF has existed. Blackburn also added three interceptions and 2.5 sacks in 2007. Blackburn ranks fourth on the teams all-time interceptions list with 13 and fourth on the career sacks list with 12.5. The 2007 Storm defense set league records for least amount of points allowed (364) and least rushing yards allowed (677).
In 2006, Blackburn finished fourth in the league in tackles with 94.5. He led the defense to the first and only shutout in UIF history with a 71-0 victory over Peoria on June 10, 2006.
The former University of South Dakota athlete finished the 2005 season with 97.5 tackles, which ranked third in the UIF.
Storm President Colin Steen says "Having Mark back is going to provide so much more than just tackles and statistics. The players have voted him team captain for a reason and his leadership and intensity in unmatched by any player in our league."
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