He played college football at the University of Notre Dame and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

Born in Clackamas Oregon, Blanton attended David W. Butler High School in Matthews, NC.

He was named second-team All-state as a sophomore after recording 126 tackles, six interceptions, 10 pass breakups, causing six fumbles and blocking six kicks.

As senior in 2007, he tallied 94 tackles, five interceptions and blocked six kicks, helping the Bulldogs reach the second round of Class 4AA playoffs and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors by The Charlotte Observer.

He was selected for the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, where he played both cornerback and safety.

Playing in 50 games, 26 in which he started, he amassed a total of 194 tackles, including 19.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 23 pass deflections, and eight interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

In 2015, Blanton looked to compete with Antone Exum and Andrew Sendejo for the starting job at strong safety.