SAN ANGELO – Angelo State's defensive line got a little bigger, both in numbers and girth, with the addition of 6-foot-1, 320-pound defensive tackle Wayne Blackwell to the Rams' 2011 signing class, as announced by ASU head football coach Will Wagner Thursday. The transfer from Ventura (Calif.) College is the 23rd member of Wagner's inaugural class and will continue his football career and education at ASU next fall.

Blackwell, a Houston native, posted 41 total tackles in his second season with the Pirates last fall, including 10 tackles for loss. The defensive tackle also notched three sacks for the Pirates and first-year head coach Steve Mooshagian.

“We've put an emphasis in the recruiting process on the defensive line and we're excited that we can add another big and athletic body to the mix,” Wagner said. “Wayne plays with great technique and has a motor that doesn't stop. He was one of our top prospects on the defensive line and we are ecstatic that he's decided to return to Texas and be a Ram.”

Blackwell earned first team all-district honors for James E. Taylor High School in Houston, where he was a two-year starter at defensive end. He was also a member of the Mustangs wrestling team, competing in the 275-pound weight class.

Angelo State opens spring practice next week, with sessions running every Mon., Wed. and Fri., at the LeGrand Sports Complex directly to the south of the Junell Center. Spring drills will culminate with the ASU Football Spring Game, Sun., April 17 at 3 p.m. Follow all the sessions online at AngeloSports.com with daily practice recaps, photos and video interviews with selected players and coaches.

AngeloSports.com: Your online source for Angelo State Athletics news, multimedia, photos and more.