Celina, Texas Proud of Blatnick and Lavey

Jamie Blatnick used to make frequent visits to Caleb Lavey's house while they were growing up in Celina, Texas.

Blatnick would go over swim or play video games or just hang out — with Lavey's older brother, Josh, and older sister, Courtney.

“Man, I used to hate it when you and your friends used to come over and play Xbox and be mean to me,” Blatnick remembers Lavey telling him years later.

Back then, Blatnick was the big offensive and defensive tackle for one of Texas' most storied high school football programs. Lavey was three years younger and had not yet become the school's starting middle linebacker as a freshman.

Now, the duo is starting for the same defense again, as Blatnick and Lavey have become major contributors for No. 3 Oklahoma State.

Jamie Blatnick, Caleb Lavey make Oklahoma State popular in Celina, Texas
Story by Gina Mizell and published in the Daily Oklahoman.