A two-sport star during his time at Concord, Blankenship set school track and field records in the discus, shot put and hammer throw. He won seven conference championships in his career. In 2004 and 2006, he was an NCAA All-American and the WVIAC's Field Athlete of the Year.

Blankenship was also a four-year starter for the football team, earning All-WVIAC honors as a defensive lineman in 2004. That season, he starred in CU's Homecoming Game, recording five tackles, three tackles for loss and three pass break-ups in a 23-19 win over Fairmont State. Plus, Blankenship was named Homecoming King at halftime.

He was also an Academic All-American.