Kiski Area running back Kenneth Blake commits to Albany

By: Chris Harlan
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | 11:13 PM

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Kiski Area’s Kenneth Blake will play college football in New York for a team with Western Pennsylvania connections.

The senior announced his commitment Friday to Albany, a Division I FCS program coached by Seton LaSalle graduate Greg Gattuso, who is entering his seventh year at Albany, a member of the Colonial Athletic Conference.

“I just liked the campus, I thought it was beautiful up there and I’ve always wanted to go to New York,” Blake said. “They also play good football up there. I’ve been watching their past season and I like what I see.”

A 6-foot-2, 185-pound running back and defensive back, Blake also listed an offer from Army. However, it was Gattuso’s staff that in April offered him his first Division I scholarship and Blake said Albany also told him that he was the No. 1 defensive back on their board since they offered him.

“They were really trying for me since they offered me,” Blake said.

As a junior, Blake rushed for 980 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. His started his senior year with a 185-yard, two-touchdown game against Connellsville. Now, after committing to Albany, Blake said he’s even more motivated to excel this season.

“Now I know they are definitely watching because I’m their guy, I’m coming to their school,” Blake said. “I have that label now, a D-I commit, so I have to show out now, I have no other option.”

Albany went 9-5 overall last season, 6-2 in conference. The CAA delayed its 2020 season until spring.

C O M M I T T E D???????? @CoachByham @CoachDavila @CoachGGattuso @kiskifootball pic.twitter.com/7fZ80qoX5B

— Kenneth Blake IV (@kennethblakeiv) October 1, 2020