Penn State Football: CJ Holmes a forgotten name heading into 2019
Transfer running back eligible to play this year for Penn State football
When looking ahead to the 2019 season, particularly the running back depth chart, it’s easy to see that Penn State football still has some talented runners, even with the departure of Miles Sanders to the NFL. Names like sophomore Ricky Slade and true freshmen Devyn Ford and Noah Cain jump out as likely players who will make a big impact in the backfield. However, one name that could get overlooked is that of CJ Holmes.
Many Penn State fans may even have completely forgotten about Holmes, as he has yet to play a down for the Nittany Lions. He entered Penn State as a walk-on in 2018 after spending a season at Notre Dame. Unfortunately, he ran into some trouble as a member of the Irish and was dismissed from the program after a shoplifting incident in 2017. The charges were eventually dismissed in July of 2018.
Holmes appeared in just three games for the Irish, carrying the ball eight times for 32 yards and no touchdowns.
Abiding by NCAA rules, Holmes had to sit out the entire 2018 season at Penn State since he transferred from one FBS school to another.
Now with a fresh start at Penn State and eligible to play, Holmes is a player to keep an eye on.
Holmes is six-foot and weighs over 200 pounds. He’s big and fast and has versatility, having played several different positions in high school.
A former, four-star recruit, Holmes was a coveted member of Notre Dame’s 2017 recruiting class. He was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 19 running back and the No. 245 overall recruit in the class.
A native of Connecticut, he was the No. 2 prospect from his home state.
When he was being recruited out of high school, Holmes held offers from a number of schools, including Penn State. Alabama, UCLA, Michigan, Maryland, and Mississippi State were also among the schools interested in Holmes.
Holmes is six-foot and weighs over 200 pounds. He’s big and fast and has versatility, having played several different positions in high school.
Although Penn State appears to have a crowded backfield, Holmes could be an x-factor this season. He already has some college experience and was considered a talented prospect just two years ago.
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It is too early to tell how Holmes will be used in the Penn State backfield, but his potential makes him a Nittany Lion to watch heading into the new season.