Italy: Ancona Dolphins land key recruit in safety Henry Blackburn

The Ancona Dolphins have made a major addition to their 2026 Italian Football League roster, signing former Colorado State team captain and safety Henry Blackburn as their third American—and most strategically valuable—offseason acquisition.

A proven leader
Blackburn brings significant NCAA Division I experience to Ancona, having started 42 games over four seasons with the Colorado State Rams. The 6-foot, 203-pound safety from Boulder, Colorado, served as team captain in 2023 and 2024, earning All-Mountain West Honorable Mention honors both years. He finished his collegiate career with 272 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and five interceptions, demonstrating consistent production against top-level competition.

Why this signing matters
As an “oriundo” player (holding an Italian passport), Blackburn doesn’t count against the IFL’s American import limit, making him an especially valuable roster addition. His versatility—having played both offense and defense in high school—and leadership qualities address multiple needs for Ancona. The Dolphins’ scouting team prioritized securing a defensive anchor with his profile, and Blackburn’s arrival signals the team’s ambition to compete at a higher level in the upcoming LEAGUE season.

His immediate impact will be crucial as the Dolphins aim to solidify their secondary. Blackburn’s experience and dual-position background provide valuable flexibility for Ancona’s defensive schemes, making him one of the most significant—and regulation-smart—signings of the Italian offseason.