Interview: Big Offseason of Growth Ahead for 2022 California QB Jordan Holmes
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Competition pushes all of us in every aspect of life, and makes us better along the way. During the 2019 high school football season, Class of 2022 quarterback Jordan Holmes competed against his peer group with Santa Margarita Catholic working the Eagles’ Spread offense while getting valuable varsity reps along the way. The 6-1, 185-pound, lefty showed the merging of all the skills – throwing on the run, moving in the pocket, reading defenses, and working his progressions. With college interest coming in, Holmes offseason is a big one of growth with 7v7 tournaments and camps upcoming ready to take all of that to the Eagles’ practice field in 2020.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Holmes for an update on his season and a look ahead to his offseason goals.
Interview
Jordan, you got a lot of valuable time working against your peer group in JV games. How did the 2019 season go overall?
“It was pretty good. I got in some varsity snaps against Mission Viejo in the second quarter and into the second half. I learned a lot. We got new coaches; I worked closely with staff all season learning defenses. My coaches helped with that a lot. I got solid reps on JV throughout the season. I worked on reading defenses, adapting and furthering my game to the next level.”
What base offense were you running in 2019?
“Spread, some read option, and Air Raid type stuff.”
Which routes were you throwing to throughout the season?
“We threw to all routes. In practice we worked on quick footwork on outs, deeps and streaks; we threw to every kind of route.”
There are little things you do that make a big difference within an offense. You move up in the pocket, escape when needed, and always keep your eyes downfield looking for a target. What are some of the other strengths to your overall game?
“Besides moving in the pocket, reading defenses, I hold myself to a high standard, and my accuracy.”
Which areas grew the most during your sophomore season?
“Reading defenses; as mentioned, my coaches really helped me with that. I learned which plays will work against different coverages, my accuracy, my timing, and I got my stroke down for a faster release.”
How did your understanding of the game improve with live action reps in 2019?
“This past season, after playing QB for three years – my freshman season I never thought about reading defenses, I just looked for the open guy. I understood more about the moving parts to the game and throwing to the blitz. I made myself a smarter quarterback.”
Over the winter and spring months, what will you focus on with your technique training?
“I will work on a quicker release – having the ball come out faster, my footwork, shorter stride step, and working more on rotating my hips and staying balanced.”
Are you receiving any college recruiting interest?
“Yes. Maryland, Wisconsin, Duke, and Arizona State are showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I have taken an unofficial visit to Maryland.”
How did that visit go?
“It went really well. I saw their spring game, met Coach Lock (Michael Locksley – head coach), and visited the campus.”
Are there any visits you have planned coming up?
“I am planning to go to Maryland again, Wisconsin and maybe Arizona State.”
This winter or spring, are you competing in any other varsity sports?
“Track.”
Which events?
“I am hoping to do the 100 and 200. This will be my first year running track.”
Last question. All the bowl games are set with a lot of great match-ups. Are there any bowl games you are excited to watch?
“The LSU versus Oklahoma game.”
That should be a great one. Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Holmes family; Jordan Holmes with Maryland head coach Michael Locksley