Taft speedster gets first two offers

There is no question that wide receiver Jamere Holland (6-1, 175, 4.35) from Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft has explosive speed. As a matter of fact, Holland could be the fastest football player in the Golden State for the class of 2005. According to Taft offensive coordinator Derwin Henderson, Holland has received his first offer. Rivals.com has tracked down another.

Anyone who saw former Taft star and now Florida Gator freshman quarterback Josh Portis throw the long ball last season saw Holland in action.

As a junior, Holland caught 34 passes for 911 yards and scored 15 touchdowns while averaging an astronomical 26.7 yards per catch with a long of 79 yards.

Holland's performance earned him all-city and all-league honors as a junior.

"Out of Jamere's break," Henderson said. "He's the fastest kid I've ever seen."

"The separation that Jamere gets is unbelievable," Henderson said. "Besides that he knows how to get open."

"Jamere can run all the tough routes," Henderson said. "If you can run the comeback, post corner, fade and dig routes then your feet are excellent."

"The amazing thing about Jamere is he's just as good on defense," Henderson said. "He didn't play offense as a sophomore, he was a corner."

"Everyone talks about his offense and rightfully so," Henderson said. "But on the defensive side of the ball Jamere covered half the field from his cornerback position during his sophomore season."

According to Henderson the Tennessee Vols were the first school out of the box with an offer.

USC coach Pete Carroll has already been on campus. Besides Tennessee and USC; Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Oregon State and Oklahoma are also recruiting Holland hard.

One opposing coach who coached against former Washington Husky and Oakland Raider Napoleon Kauffman and Holland told Rivals.com that Holland has the same type of explosive speed that Kaufman had.

The type of speed that makes you hold your breath when he has the football in his hands. Holland can score anytime he touches the ball.