A 1997 ECU grad, Blackwell came to his alma mater after four years at Jacksonville State, where he was a finalist for FCS defensive coordinator of the year in 2015 and 2016. During his tenure, Jacksonville State collectively ranked first in FCS in defensive completion percentage (50.2), second in pass efficiency defense (105.5) and rushing yards allowed per carry (3.0), and third in total defense (284.1 ypg).