Holines makes a switch to Big East

Three-star defensive end Sha-ki Holines decommitted yesterday from Massachusetts. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder reconsidered after landing his dream offer recently and made a pledge tonight for the Big East.

"I decommitted yesterday from UMass," he said. "I got an offer from my dream school, which is Connecticut. I've committed there tonight."

Holines discussed what made Connecticut stand out.

"I knew I was going to get the offer from Connecticut, but they offered me after I went to camp last month," he said. "I'd say it's the facilities first. I also like how the defense is and their defensive line coach. I love Coach Brown and the program. They are in a higher division than UMass and the education is good too. It's close to home as well."

Holines went further on what made them his dream offer.

"Well, I've been going to practice there for awhile and I always grew up liking them," he said. "They send a lot of defensive linemen to the NFL."

Regarding the coaches, the No. 6 prospect in Massachusetts is very fond of the staff.

"They are all good people up there," he said. "They kept it honest with me. The only thing I was waiting for was an offer. Even when I was committed to UMass, they kept in contact and treated me like I was not committed."

Holines noted he is trying to graduate early, but that remains up in the air.

The defensive lineman posted 132 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, six sacks, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble as he earned defensive player of the year for the conference last season.

"As a player, I can go sideline-to-sideline, I can tackle, I can block and catch. I've got good pass rushing skills and I like to hit."