Blackman began his career at Florida State back in 2017, as a four-star prospect garnering a top-10 ranking in the class, FSU had high expectations for Blackman. After a good freshman season, Blackman was injured and later redshirted his sophomore season. In 2019, he returned to play in 12 games but didn't elevate the team, Coach Willie Taggert was fired and the Seminoles finished 6-7 and that all but wrote the end for James Blackman in Tallahassee.
In his two seasons at Arkansas State, Blackman helped the Red Wolves to just 5 wins but improved in the effeciency department from 59% to 64% completions and 26 total touchdowns.
