The depth of Texas A&M’s defensive backfield is taking a hit as senior defensive back Elijah Blades announced on Thursday he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Blades last appeared on the field for the Aggies back in 2019 and made the decision to opt-out of the 2020 season.

Following his decision to opt-out, Blades announced he planned to leave college for the 2021 NFL Draft but later changed his mind and participated in spring practice with the Aggies this spring.

Once Blades earns his undergraduate degree, he plans on transferring as a graduate.

Here is Blades’ updated bio from the Texas A&M team site:

2019 (JUNIOR): Played in seven games, making six starts … Made two tackles, including 1.0 for a 3-yard loss in his A&M debut against Texas State … Made four tackles, including a sack for a 16-yard loss against Clemson … Had three tackles in the win over Arkansas … Made two tackles and added a breakup against Alabama … Made three tackles and was in on a sack for a 5-yard loss at Ole Miss … Had three tackles and a pass breakup in the win over Mississippi State … Missed the UTSA game due to injury … Made a pair of tackles against South Carolina … Missed the last three games of the season due to injury.

BEFORE A&M: Coached by Tom Minnick at Arizona Western Community College … Made nine pass breakups to go along with a fumble recovery, a blocked kick and two interceptions in two seasons … Averaged 63.5 yards per kick return as a sophomore at Arizona Western.