Dominique Blackman’s college football career has carried him across the U.S. and through several levels of competition.

The junior got validation for his journey Monday when he secured Idaho’s starting quarterback job.

“I’ve been told I was too big. I’ve been told I was too slow, I was too whatever. I just keep my mind positive and focus on the things that matter,’’ Blackman said. “I try to focus on doing my job and playing with passion. That’s my thing — play with passion.’’

He broke the news on Twitter and coach Robb Akey confirmed it later in the day. Blackman wrote that his mom started crying when she heard the news.

“Been long road,” Blackman tweeted. “Nowhere near over.”

The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder signed with Washington out of Carson (Calif.) High. He never played for the Huskies, instead starting at Los Angeles Harbor College in 2009. He threw for 3,711 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Blackman went to Old Dominion in 2010, where he redshirted, then transferred to Idaho in the spring of 2011. He sat out last year under NCAA transfer rules.

Despite his lack of recent experience, Blackman and junior Taylor Davis entered fall practice in competition for the job. Blackmanimpressed in scrimmages, completing 25-of-35 passes for 348 yards and six TDs with no interceptions.

“We feel that separation has created itself throughout this camp. Taking into account the practices as well as the scrimmages, the preparation, we have made Dominique our starting quarterback. He’s very excited about that,” Akey said.

Davis, who played in seven games and started three in 2011, went 9-for-21 for 155 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in two scrimmages. Senior Logan Bushnell will compete with Davis for the second-string job, Akey said.

Idaho opens its season Aug. 30 at home against Eastern Washington.