Texas A&M’s defense suffered a setback late Monday evening as senior cornerback Elijah Blades announced he plans to sit out the coming season. According to Blades, he plans on returning to the Aggies in 2021.

A former junior college standout, Blades started six games last season, his first in College Station, before missing the final three games of the season due to injury.

During that time, Blades registered 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks and defended three passes for the Aggies.

He announced his decision on Monday evening.

“I have chosen opt out this season. I’ll be back next year,” Blades posted.

During his time in College Station, Blades has battled through injuries and considering he plans on returning to the team in 2021, this move will likely be viewed as a redshirt season for the senior that never previously had the opportunity to properly rest and recovery from a tough shoulder injury suffered last fall.

While losing a veteran in the secondary is going to hurt the Aggies, Jimbo Fisher’s program has signed a number of elite defensive backs in recent recruiting cycles including four-star Erick Young (#10 corner in 2019), four-star Brian Williams (#6 safety in 2019), four-star Demani Richardson (#7 safety in 2019), five-star Jaylon Jones (#1 safety in 2020), four-star Antonio Johnson (#* safety in 2020) and Brian George (#2 JUCO corner in 2020).