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Former Gator Cheston Blackshear hired as Quality Control - Offensive Line

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender01/12/22Corey_Bender
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PHOTO CREDIT: University of Florida

A familiar face has returned to Gainesville to join forces with Billy Napier and the Gators.

Cheston Blackshear, a four-time letter winner for the Gators from 1995-99, has been hired in the role of quality control – offensive line.

A native of Jacksonville, Blackshear spent the last four seasons at Dartmouth as the tight ends and offensive tackles coach. Prior to that, he held the same roles at Nevada (2014-17), New Mexico (2009-12) and Columbia back in 2006-08. He was also the tight ends coach at Georgetown in 2013 and a graduate assistant at Illinois in 2005.

Blackshear’s first coaching opportunity came in 2002 when he served as a graduate assistant for the Gators, holding that role for three years. He also participated in the Bill Walsh Intern Program and worked with the Falcons, Browns, Dolphins and Jaguars.

During his playing days in Gainesville, Blackshear started in 28 of the 41 games he participated in.

The offensive lineman was part of the 1996 National Championship team and a 1999 Coaches’ and AP Second-Team All-SEC selection. He earned the Fergie Ferguson Award during his senior year.

After graduating, Blackshear signed with the Carolina Panthers and also saw time with the Orlando Rage of the XFL.

Blackshear is the latest addition to Napier’s army

The Gators have made 39 hires since Dec. 6, with Blackshear being the latest addition to the army.

Patrick Toney (co-defensive coordinator/safeties), Corey Raymond (cornerbacks), and Mike Peterson (outside linebackers) are the defensive coaches on staff.

Rob Sale (offensive coordinator/offensive line), Jabbar Juluke (running backs), Darnell Stapleton (offensive line), Keary Colbert (receivers) and William Peagler (tight ends) round out the staff.

A pair of analysts who will assist the on-field coaches are Ryan O’Hara (quarterbacks – Napier) and Jamar Chaney (linebackers – Peterson). Additionally, Napier has tapped Mark Hocke to run the strength and conditioning program. Hocke is joined by Joe Danos, Karmichael Dunbar, Tiger Jones, Edward Thompson and Alex Watkins.

“We’re going to hire an army of people here. We’re going to create an infrastructure not only in the personnel department but also from on-campus recruiting, creative media, name, image, and likeness. We’ve got a great vision for the organization that we’re going to create here,” Napier said during his introductory press conference.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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