Blades cancels trip

One of the top linebackers in the Sunshine Sstate had looked at Southern Cal as one of his favorites for quite some time. Now H.B. Blades has now decided the Trojans are out of the running and has picked a favorite.

"I'm not going to Southern Cal anymore," said the 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker from Plantation, Florida. "What happened is, they offered three linebackers but they're only going to take two. They were going to take the first two that committed. I didn't go on a visit there because I told them I couldn't commit yet. Now I've heard that two linebackers from Los Angeles committed."

So Blades, who comes from a family with plenty of athletes, won't be going to Southern Cal. and cancelled his official visit set for last weekend. Does he have any leaders?

"Virginia is my leader right now and Pitt is right behind. I love Coach Groh and the linebackers coach (Al Golden). We have a lot in common and I know what kind of defense they're running.

"Plus they have my major - journalism-broadcasting - so academically it's a great choice. I'm anxious to get there on a visit and see what's happening because most likely I'm going to Virginia or Pitt.

"I'll be at Pitt this weekend and Gerald Hayes, the middle linebacker, is going to be my host. They're losing all their middle linebackers so I could come in and play right away. It depends on how quickly I would learn the system and I don't think that would be a problem.

"I'm looking forward to meeting all the defensive coaches and seeing how I would fit in."

Blades isn't limiting his recruitment to the Cavs and Panthers, though they are his favorites. He has several in-home visits scheduled soon.

"Iowa State, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia, and Auburn are coming to my place for in-home visits soon. Virginia is coming Friday morning because I've got to hop on a plane that afternoon and go up to Pitt for a visit.

"Tomorrow I'm meeting with Pitt and UNC, Wednesday is Auburn and Thursday is Iowa State. The rest of the week is going to be jam-packed too."

Blades will also visit Kansas State in January in addition to official trips scheduled to Pitt (Dec.6) and Virginia (Dec.13). He has offers to all the schools he is considering.