Senior quarterback Isaiah Blanks was part of Hoboken High School’s (N.J.) football team’s tough times before its resurgence over a two-year period, with a 9-0 regular season and a postseason appearance capping the 2025-26 season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Blanks took his lumps, but all of his hard work has paid dividends, as he is headed to Division III Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), in which the Devils will hold a roster spot for him in the fall.
He said he loved the homey vibe at FDU and the opportunity to compete as a quarterback as reasons for his committing to the Devils’ football program. Also, Blanks said that being familiar with the type of offense the Devils run would help him transition to the next level.
“I went to visit the campus, and it felt like home,” Blanks recalled. “They want me for the position I want to play. I’ve been doing this since I’m 13 at the Police Athletic League (PAL). I would like to keep doing it. They run the spread offense, like we do.”
Blanks completed 95 of 165 passes for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns with just five interceptions, while rushing for 302 yards on 49 carries with eight scores.
Additionally, he made New Jersey All-Group 2 Third Team and captured the Essex/Hudson Chapter of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame Scholar, Leader, Athlete Award, bestowed to the one player from each high school in the area who demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, school leadership and academic achievement.
Blanks credits his head coach Joe Borkowski for improving his performance by instilling more self-esteem in him.
“He came in, and I had a conversation with him,” Blanks recollects. “He told me I’m the leader. He helped me so much, especially with my confidence, He told me I would throw the ball more. Coach told me I could throw with the best of them.”
Borkowski sang Blanks’ praise, emphasizing his physical and mental fortitude, and said that the Devils are fortunate to be getting him next season. And cannot wait to see him on the gridiron at the next level.
“Isaiah has been a pleasure to coach these past two seasons,” Borkowski said. “He’s as tough as they come and was a great leader for us. FDU is very lucky to have him. We’re going to miss him, and we’re looking forward to watching him play at the next level.”
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