“Every single day that I’m on the field, I’m here to finish my dad’s job. He spent a year-and-a-half in the league, unfortunately passing away in a car accident. So, he didn’t really get to live out his NFL dream. He made it so he got to the doorstep of his dream, but I’m working towards fulfilling that dream. Every day, with my mom and my family, I’m working to complete what they started.”

   Al Blades Jr. is ready to finish what his father started. Al Blades Sr. was a standout safety at the University of Miami for three years, before ending his career at UM in 2000 and entering the NFL draft. Blades would go on to be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and spend two years with the team, but in March of 2003, things took a turn for the worst.  On March 20, 2003, Blades died in a car accident along with former high school teammate, Martel Johnson. Blades’ death left his son, who was only three at the time, with the responsibility of helping his mother through these tough situations. “There were times when my mother was struggling and I had to help her out. I’ve been through a lot of situations, times where a lot of people think that I come from money.” said the high school Sophomore.

   Despite the hardships off the field, on the field, Blades has excelled. After decommitting from Miami, his father’s alma mater, in October of last year, Blades has begun to receive offers from some of the nation’s top schools, including Alabama and LSU. Nonetheless, Miami is still in the running for the 6’0”, 168lb cornerback. “Miami will definitely still be in consideration because it’s a hometown school and my family would be able to see me play,” he said. “However, I know they’ll be able to travel wherever I go.” explained the Sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

After committing to Miami as a Freshman, Blades plans to take more time to make his decision now than he did the first time, saying, “I will either be making my decision at the Under Armour All-American Game or on National Signing Day.”

   After beginning his high school career at University School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Blades immediately began to receive national attention due to his family’s football past, but soon, people began to realize that he was more than just hype. This past year, Blades was ranked by 247Sports as a top 25 cornerback in the Class of 2018. With his family background and a high ranking, there is no doubt that Blades’ actions are highly examined.  “Every time I step on the field, people want to see me get embarrassed.  It’s helped me, not only as a football player but also in life,” explained Blades. “My actions are magnified, so much more because there are so many people that want to see me fall off and fail.”

   Earlier this year, Blades made the decision to transfer from the University School to St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), a football powerhouse nationwide. Blades has mentioned that a part of his game that he would like to improve upon is competing against bigger receivers, stating, “I have to become a more well-rounded cornerback.”

At St. Thomas Aquinas, he will have that chance as they play one of the toughest schedules in the entire country, and it is clear that Blades will settle for nothing less than success. “You might think I’m crazy, but my goal is, not only to be the best-recruited cornerback out of Florida but to be the best player in the country. I want to be the number one player in my class.” proclaimed the four-star recruit.

As Al Blades Jr. nears his Junior year, he is on the verge of football greatness. With his football career looking more and more promising, he is motivated by one thing: “Every single day, I wake up and see my mom. Every single day, I look at her face and I just know that I want to do the best I can for her. No matter what she’s going through, she won’t ever give up.”