Junior back taking first game visit

Flint (Mich.) Carman-Ainsworth running back Gerald Holmes had a breakout sophomore campaign, but has been limited by an injury this fall. That has not stopped college programs from pursuing him, however, and on Saturday he will make his first unofficial game day visit.

"I'm going to the Michigan game this weekend against Purdue," Holmes said. "I've been getting regular mail from them, and I sent my first game film to them from this year. I guess they liked it, and wanted me to come down. I'm looking forward to getting this win, then talk to the coaches and see the game."

The 6-0, 205-pound Holmes has returned to his spot in the backfield for Carman-Ainsworth after missing five games due to an ankle injury. His team will play Midland in the first round of the MHSAA playoffs Friday night.

Holmes earned first team all-conference honors for his play as a sophomore. He has played parts of four games this fall, generating around 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Though he saw limited action this season, Holmes and his coaches were able to put together a quick highlight film and send it out to college programs.

Other schools sending mail and showing interest in Holmes include Michigan State, Iowa, Syracuse, Toledo, Oregon, Mississippi State and Indiana. Two of those schools have piqued his interest more than the others at this stage of the process.

"Iowa and probably Michigan State are the main ones," Holmes said. "I like Michigan State because they carry two running backs that are around my range of height/weight. Iowa just has a good system, I like their program and they have good academics too."

Holmes plans to attend Michigan State's home game against Minnesota on Nov. 5, and he is also looking to make it down to a Notre Dame game this fall.