Mario Cristobal reveals impact, versatility of Al Blades in secondary

Al Blades is going to be a key piece for the Miami Hurricanes in the 2022 season. It’s a defense that needs to improve a lot and Mario Cristobal needs his veteran leaders to step up.

While speaking to the media, Mario Cristobal explained what Al Blades means to the Miami defense and the secondary, in particular.

“He’s done a great job,” Mario Cristobal said. “The best part about here there’s no there’s got to be no-nonsense, no BS, no dressing it up. I mean, call it like it is and that’s the way it should be. That’s your greatest form of respect to a player, to a program.”

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“Al Blades has done a great job at playing just about everything and on special teams as well and what we find ourselves now in a position where we have the ability to play a good number of guys back there that can play winning football.”

Mario Cristobal wanted to emphasize that he can play anywhere in the secondary and play those various positions well. However, he also wanted to make a point of saying that Al Blades has been great for Miami off the field.

“So, he, again, he’s been really good off the field as well, as a leader in the weight room. When you talk about all the guys that are back there, they’re doing just about all of them doing about the same things. They’re playing well. They’ve learned the systems. They communicate well. Al’s a really good communicator. He understands football. Obviously, it’s in his bloodlines for a long long time,” Mario Cristobal continued.

Al Blades is the son of Miami Hurricanes legend Al Blades. Now a redshirt junior, Blades originally committed to play at Miami in 2015. A member of the Class of 2018, Blades was a consensus four-star recruit. He has four career interceptions.

“So, everyone’s super proud of him and super excited for him and what he’s going to bring to the table this year. We think he’s going to be a great player.”