After leading the Big South in interceptions in 2016, Blackmon went undrafted, but was invited to the Atlanta Falcons and Colts rookie mini-camps.

In his two seasons with the Owls, Blackmon recorded 50 tackles, eight interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

"I'm so proud of Dante for earning this incredible career opportunity," Bohannon said in a statement released by the University. "This is certainly a milestone for our young program to have our first NFL signee, and it's also a tribute to the way that Dante has dedicated himself both and off the field to be the best he can be. He was an all-conference player, he earned his degree last week and now he has an NFL contract. I wish him the best of luck.”

Blackmon attended Appalachian State for his freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring to Kennesaw State.