Blades Breaking Through for Aggies Defense

COLLEGE STATION - Not much could be said at this point about Texas A&M cornerback Elijah Blades. Outside of a few plays in coverage, most fans knew about the defender as he was a transfer product from Arizona Western Community College.

Saturday could be the start of a promising career for the California native as his performance set A&M in the right direction. Known for his speed, Blades sprinted off the line of scrimmage in the third quarter to deliver a sack to Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee.

Linebacker Buddy Johnson was in the right place as the ball popped free in the open field. Sixty-two yards later, the Aggies had a touchdown, the lead and the momentum heading into the final minutes. A&M would hold on to win 24-17 in their first conference road win.

"That was big on Elijah and (Justin) Madubuike to get the strip-sack," Johnson said.

Blades missed a majority of fall camp with lingering injuries. That would have him sit out in some early games this season. With the loss of players such as Roney Elam and Charles Oliver, Saturday became a chance for Blades to expand his role.

Blades finished with three total tackles and a pass break up along with the forced fumble. Working off the edge, the junior defensive back has found a niche blitzing off the edge.

"To have that big play and to be able to get points off of that, whenever you can get points off a defense is huge," linebacker Anthony Hines said. "Not only the turnover, but also the points, so that was a big shift in the game for us."

Fully healthy, Blades should continue to carve out a role in Mike Elko's secondary. For the season, he's collected 11 total tackles and two pass breakups. With the loss of veteran talent, Blades should continue to be a factor as a newcomer for the team.

"That's why I say you never have enough depth," Fisher said. "And the freshmen and all of those guys, they've got to keep developing as that year goes on, because you're going need them. Especially in a league that's this physical...you need those bodies to be able to do it and play quality football.”

Blades is expected to start this Saturday against Mississippi State. Kickoff will be at 11 A.M. at Kyle Field.