Education
Blankenship played football for Norman North High School, where he gained 5,050 rushing yards and 59 total touchdowns. He was an all-state selection. Blankenship was also on the track and field team
In 2009, Blankenship played seven games for Iowa State.
He gained 11 total yards.
He then redshirted in 2010. In 2011, he played 13 games for Ohio and had 462 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
He had a season-high 129 yards against Central Michigan on November 10. He rushed for 47 yards in the 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
In 2012, Blankenship rushed for 1,604 yards and 15 touchdowns, breaking Kalvin McRae"s Ohio record for rushing yards in a season.
On September 29, against Massachusetts, Blankenship had 43 carries, which tied a school record.
His 269 yards in that game was a season high for him. In the 2012 Independence Bowl, he totaled 104 rushing yards, and his four touchdowns set an Independence Bowl record. lieutenant was Blankenship"s ninth 100-yard rushing game in 2012, which was another school record.
He was also named the game"s co-offensive most valuable player.
Blankenship was named to the 2012 All-MAC second team His 312 rushing attempts led the MAC, and his 1,604 rushing yards ranked second.