Kilgore JUCO OG Denzel Holder is an available D-I talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Opposing Southwest Junior College defenders will be happy to see Denzel Holder go while coaches at Kilgore wish they could keep the road-grading offensive lineman for another season. After season with Tennessee State, Holder matriculated to the Texas junior college starting every game. Now the 6-5, 340-pound, lineman is looking for that next level fit with three to play three.
The scheme ran with the Rangers was detailed.
“We were very much a Spread, but we were also explosive,” Holder stated. “We could run and throw the ball. We were heavy on inside and stretch runs using the B or A gap. We did a lot of downhill running, and rarely ran to the boundary. In stretch, we would run a break. We were heavy downhill with inside zone to enforce the running game.”
Reporting a 415-pound bench max and 505 on squat, Holder spoke about his skills as an interior lineman.
“My technique is a strength,” Holder said. “Even though I am a big guy, I am a mauler, but what helps me is being consistent. My strength is part of my game, and my technique really shows. To give up zero sacks this year, you have to be consistent to the point where your technique is on point.
“Especially in the run game, I am one of the guys that stays consistent in each block. Every game they can watch, block for block, I am always on my guy. That is big in this world where each block matters. I am very explosive. I have God given size. I have a great wingspan which helps me with pass pro or leveraging in the run game.
“In the run game, I like to shoot my hands under linemen really quick. Being so long, I can maneuver them, and I don’t get a holding call because I am under them.”
Holder talked more about blocking on passing plays, “I am also really good with my footwork. Looking at my pass pro, I lock the guy down and then mirror him. If I get my hands on you, it is over. At guard, I can take a quick step back and get that quick set. Technique is my bread and butter outside of my natural ability and strength.”
Asked if there was a preferred offensive scheme he wants to work in with his next program, Holder replied, “No, sir. I can play in any scheme. I am a heavier guy, and certain coaches don’t want you as heavy as I am. They want to see if I can run. If you look on my film, you can see me get out on screens.
“I am good with stretch blocking. I am so long, I can cut you off and get my hands to your shoulder. I am very good in any scheme. I am trying to go to the NFL; when that time comes, the teams that run downhill or use gap schemes, I am very good at that.
“I am a long guy. I’m good in the interior, but I have the size like an offensive tackle. I have freakishly long arms. I have good twitch on the inside, and I can get vertical to the linebacker. I like all schemes; I have never shied away from a scheme.
“At Tennessee State, we had new staff come in from the Iowa Hawkeyes. His scheme was outside zone blocking, that was our style. Everything looked like that even with inside zone.”
The long list of interested programs were listed by Holder, “Texas State, Texas Southern, Marshall, North Carolina A&T, Georgia State, UTSA, UNLV, McNeese, New Mexico State, South Alabama, Southern University, Morgan State, Lamar, and Central Connecticut. I am talking to a lot of FBS and FCS schools.”
An official visit to University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff is set for Tuesday through Thursday of this week.
The Golden Lions have gone after Holder from the jump at Kilgore.
“UAPB was the first school to offer me in JUCO,” Holder said. “They offered me and were not scared about me getting more offers. A lot of schools knew I was a bounce back guy; that made schools afraid to offer me. I had already went to two schools, but my coach got fired (North Alabama) and I only went JUCO because Tennessee State ran out of funding; they don’t do full rides there anymore.
“I went JUCO with a bunch of schools reaching out, but since I knew the game, you can’t tell me anything about the recruiting process. Coming in now, I am trying to come in straightforward. If a coach offers me, I value it, but I want them to know I am coming there to play.”
Holder continued, “While I visit UAPB, I want to further develop a relationship with the coaches and I want to know how I will be an asset to their program and them to me. I know about their history; they have put a lot of guys in the league, even with the coaching changes over years, guys like Dante Wesley, Courtney Van Buren, and Terron Armstead (All-Pro).”
Photo credit: Kilgore College – No. 70 Denzel Holder
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