2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Blake Ashley, LS, Bridgewater College

- Name: Blake Ashley
- Position: Long Snapper
- College: Bridgewater College
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 230
- Twitter: Blakeashley46
- Instagram: Blakethomasashley
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
I’m an accurate long snapper, my snap speed and consistency set me apart from other long snappers. I’ve also made big plays in punt coverage, like recovering a fumble and scoring a touchdown a few years ago. My aggressive style forces opposing teams to gameplan against me. On the field goal unit, I’ve demonstrated good pancake blocks over the past three seasons. I also have experience blocking rushers on the punt unit. On the play where I scored the touchdown, I had a responsibility to chip the rusher from the front side A gap before hustling down the field and recovering the fumble. I believe I have the best film out there among all the 2024 Long Snapping Prospects, demonstrating qualities that make a pro long snapper, such as good coverage, blocking ability on Field Goals and Punts, consistent snaps on Punt and Field Goals, getting the laces out every time, and placing the ball on the hip of the punter. I always play with toughness and grit.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
My friends got me into playing football when I was 10 years old.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I am a good teammate to be around in the locker room. I have a strong work ethic, I am always finding ways to improve myself whether it is my snapping or athleticism. All of the things that will help me become the best version of myself.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Shriners Hospitals
What is the best advice you have ever received?
A quote from the movie Rocky Balboa that has always resonated with me is, ‘It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.’ Throughout my life, I’ve faced many challenges. In high school, I was told I wasn’t athletic enough. I worked hard to become the best athlete I could be before attending Bridgewater, but now, as an undersized prospect from a Division 3 school, I know I’m at a disadvantage. However, I’ve always had an underdog mentality and will work harder than everyone else to achieve my goals.
Who was your childhood hero?
The two people who have had the most significant impact on my life are my Granddad and my Mother. My Granddad was a star football player in high school, but a career-ending injury cut his dreams short. Despite dealing with cancer, open heart surgery, and two leg amputations, he always kept fighting and never had a bad attitude. Sadly, he passed away last year due to a stroke. My Mother has been a nurse for over 30 years, saving many people’s lives; she’s also been a hero to me and my family. Taking care of me and my brother, and helping put us in the best situation to succeed
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Keaton Ellis, he is a great guy to be around, and works really hard.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People mowing the lawn at 6 am.
What stands out about your film the most?
My ability to make explosive plays. Which is rare for a long snapper. My physicality, blocking 300 lb guys on field goal unit with ease, and the consistency of location and speed of my snaps.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
Bridgewater College has a great community that feels like a family, where everyone supports each other. We have a successful football program and hope to continue building off last year’s success. Bridgewater is special to me because many of my family members graduated from here, including my Grandma and her siblings. In fact, the maintenance building is named after my great uncle.
What is your favorite snack food?
Mountain Trail Mix, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, and Salami and Provolone.
What is the best part of football?
Being around my teammates and creating a sense of camaraderie while making memories that will last a lifetime is what makes football so special to me. Winning games on top of that is the icing on the cake.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I am an athletic Long Snapper, who is capable of covering on punts at a high level, and can block rushers on both field goals and punts.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Jon Weeks, an undersized long snapper like myself, gives hope to all undersized long snappers who dream of playing at the professional level. His consistency has helped him keep his job with the Texans for the past 13 seasons.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I had to pick three celebrities dead or alive to have dinner with, it would be Sylvester Stallone, due to his inspiring story. Peyton Manning, because he was my favorite football player, and Will Ferrell, because he is hilarious.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com