Canes strike California Gold
The Miami Hurricanes have had success with California players in the past so once again they went mining for California Gold found another nugget from the Golden State.
The Canes plucked the talented Josh Holmes (6-0, 260, 4.8) from San Diego (Calif.) Point Loma.
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"It is kind of complicated," Anthony Holmes, Josh's father said. "Miami offered awhile back but the offer got lost in the mail"
"Miami's recruiter flew out yesterday and talked to Coach (Mike) Hastings and myself," Anthony Holmes said. "He confirmed that Miami had indeed offered."
"Josh and I called Coach (Randy) Shannon (Miami's defensive coordinator) and he confirmed the offer once again," Anthony Holmes said. "Josh accepted the offer after he talked to Coach Shannon for about 10 minutes."
"Josh had two top team's Miami and LSU," Anthony Holmes said. "Miami offered first."
The Hurricanes gain the services of Holmes over other offers from ASU, Washington State, San Diego State, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas Tech.
Athletic big men are not a dime a dozen and the Canes received a good one.
In an earlier interview with Point Loma coach Mike Hastings he had this to say about his talented defensive lineman.
"Josh has a great burst and is very nimble on his feet," Hastings said. "Not only is Josh a great athlete but he has the work ethic to match."
"My defensive coordinator was coaching here at Point Loma when (San Diego State, New Orleans Saint and now Dallas Cowboy standout) LaRoi Glover attended the school," Hastings said. "He thinks that Josh has the same athletic ability and work ethic that Glover had at the same time during their career."
"The reason that Josh has tremendous upside is he's only 16 years old," Hastings said. "He is still growing. Josh will turn 17 during his freshman year in college."
"Josh is a great student of the game," Hastings said. "When he watches film, he breaks down what his opponent's weaknesses are and he will tell me how he will be able to beat is opponent."
"There is no telling how good he's going to be," Hastings said. "The sky is the limit."
Holmes earned League Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was also second-team for the very tough San Diego section All-CIF.
From his defensive tackle spot Holmes racked up 43 tackles, 11 sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2004. As a tight end, he had four receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns.