Blades and Thomas Honored by Scout.com

Dec. 5, 2006

Pitt senior linebacker H.B. Blades, who finished his career as one of the most prolific tacklers in school history, has been named a second team All-American by Scout.com. Additionally, offensive guard Joe Thomas was named a first team Freshman All-American by Scout.

Blades (Plantation, Fla./Plantation) concluded the regular season with an astonishing 147 total tackles, the most by a Pitt player in over two decades. He additionally compiled 10.5 tackles for losses, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and blocked two field goals.

Those numbers made him one of the most productive defenders in all of college football. He averaged 12.3 tackles per game, which ranked first among all Big East players and third nationally. His seven solo stops per game ranked first in the conference and fourth nationally.

Blades finished with 433 career stops to rank third in school history. He trails only linebacker Arnie Weatherington, who had 477 tackles from 1973-76, and legendary defensive end Hugh Green, who had 441 stops from 1977-80.

The Scout.com recognition is the latest honor for Thomas (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Edward), who earlier was named to Rivals' Freshman All-America Team (second team) and The Sporting News Big East All-Freshman Team. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Thomas was highly impressive during his debut season at Pitt, playing in all 12 games and starting the final seven contests of the year at right guard.

Blades and Thomas Honored by Scout.com

Players Mentioned

H.B. Blades

Joe Thomas

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