BeamerBall just posted lineups for the spring. It appears that Holmes has the starting slot (for now) over J.C. Coleman and the recently moved Scales. We knew going in that the starting job would be a toss up between the new stock. I just wonder what made the coaches give Holmes the nod. Not that anyone else deserved it more.
Both backs are VA natives, Holmes from Harrisonburg and Coleman from Chesapeake. Of the two however, Holmes was less touted with a shortened offer list. Like that matters anyway knowing our staff's ability to develop talent. My gut reaction initially pertained to the size differential. Holmes is listed as 6'0'' ~190 whereas Coleman is roughly 5'7'' 170. When looking at highlight videos however, it appears that Holmes is a good decision maker. He doesnt simply burn the outside edge. In many of the highlights it looked like he was dancing around defenders and making moves beyond initial contact. Only time will tell.
Comments
Bud Foster mentioned that Holmes was weighing in around 212 lbs now, so hopefully he's a little more "game ready" in terms of sheer size
Regarding his skill set, Holmes is a jack of all trades and a master or none, or so it seems. He won't dazzle with his speed, cut on a dime, or run a guy over with regularity, but he'll consistently gain yards. David Wilson was a special talent, but the offense really missed that reliable back that took what was there, even if it was only a couple yards, and made the smart play. I hope Holmes can do that, be an all-purpose back, and help stabilize the offense.
agreed
Even French replied to me regarding similarity to Ore with more compact strides. He, or no one soon for that matter, will replace David Wilson. Like Ore though, having a guy dependable on third and short versus LT will pay dividends. Some of the problem going into the first Clemson matchup was having a battered Thomas after he took a hit in the Marshall game that stymied his productivity. Again, Wilson's dynacism is unmatched. Having a smart running back take his place however can keep that offensive tempo we've grown accustomed to going. We drain the clock and tire the defense taking sustained drives. A 4YPC kind of guy will fit in with that.