Miami football legend and school Sports Hall of Famer Bennie Blades posted on Twitter Saturday that he wants a meeting with university President Julio Frenk and athletic director Blake James. Blades said it is unacceptable that Miami is not a national powerhouse and that Miami needs productive changes.
Blades played on the Miami football team from 1985-1987. At the time he concluded his career, Blades held the Miami record for interceptions in a career with 19 and in a 10 during the 1986 season. Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed broke Blades’ record with 21 career interceptions from 1998-2001.
Sean Taylor tied Blades with 10 interceptions in 2003. Blades was a consensus All-American in 1986 and ’87 and tied for the second Jim Thorpe Award honoring the best defensive back in the nation in 1987. Current Miami defensive back Al Blades Jr. is the nephew of Blades and his brother former Miami wide receiver Brian.
Al Blades Sr. was his father. Blades’ offer to meet with Frenk came following comments on ESPN College Football Gameday by lead analyst Kirk Herbstreit criticizing Frenk, athletic director Blake James and head coach Manny Diaz not being aligned on the direction of the Miami football program.
Blades had extensive responses from alums and fans on Twitter. Frenk and James were tagged by Blades but did not respond, which should be expected. The tough losses to Alabama and Michigan begin the season and the comments by Herbstreit have exasperated the state of the Miami football program.
Miami begins ACC play on Thursday against Virginia. With ACC Coastal Division favorite North Carolina already having two conference losses, Miami has an excellent opportunity to make the conference championship game. A strong finish to the season and ACC Coastal Division title will alleviate a lot of the criticism.
Any discussion about the future of the Miami football program should include Reed. Reed is currently the Miami football program chief of staff. Former Miami cornerback Mike Rumph is on the Hurricanes recruiting staff after formerly being the Miami cornerbacks coach. Blades is taking a positive step.