Lincoln High School (NY) DT Thomas Holley is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country. After his first season playing football, Holley has received offers from programs such as Alabama, USC, Ohio State, and Clemson amongst others. The 6’5”, 290 pound lineman spoke about how he transitioned from the hardwood to the gridiron.
“From my basketball years, a lot of people thought I played football on first glance, so when I told them no, they looked at me kind of dumfounded. At first, it was just to try something new, but once I started playing and got into it, it became a very fun ride,” said Holley.
Holley is extremely physically gifted, so it’s no surprise he hasn’t had any issue with picking up football.
“It wasn’t really a hard transition at all. I have such good footwork, strength, speed, and quickness so that really helped out. It wasn’t really hard and I picked it up really fast. I try not to make the same mistake twice. I’m just working on my hands with my coaches, but I’ve been able to pick it up quickly now that I’m on football 100% right now.”
Although he had a breakout season, Holley didn’t expect the attention he’s been receiving.
“It definitely caught me off guard in the beginning. I had a really good season as far as being my first year so I though I’d get a couple looks here and there, but nothing like this.”
One of the schools that Holley has early interest in is the University of Miami.
“I’m definitely serious about them. They have a great defensive program and they’re actually visiting me tomorrow. They get a lot of guys into the NFL and it’s a wonderful environment there.”
Who has been in contact with the jumbo athlete?
“I talk to Coach Franklin a lot. He tells me how fired up he is if I was to come to Miami and the future I would have if I went there.”
**Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, and Florida State are also sticking out to Holley.
**He says he will be in Florida “sometime in May” and plans on visiting Miami, Florida, and Florida State.
**Holley said he won’t be playing AAU ball this summer, but will play for his school team.
“From my basketball years, a lot of people thought I played football on first glance, so when I told them no, they looked at me kind of dumfounded. At first, it was just to try something new, but once I started playing and got into it, it became a very fun ride,” said Holley.
Holley is extremely physically gifted, so it’s no surprise he hasn’t had any issue with picking up football.
“It wasn’t really a hard transition at all. I have such good footwork, strength, speed, and quickness so that really helped out. It wasn’t really hard and I picked it up really fast. I try not to make the same mistake twice. I’m just working on my hands with my coaches, but I’ve been able to pick it up quickly now that I’m on football 100% right now.”
Although he had a breakout season, Holley didn’t expect the attention he’s been receiving.
“It definitely caught me off guard in the beginning. I had a really good season as far as being my first year so I though I’d get a couple looks here and there, but nothing like this.”
One of the schools that Holley has early interest in is the University of Miami.
“I’m definitely serious about them. They have a great defensive program and they’re actually visiting me tomorrow. They get a lot of guys into the NFL and it’s a wonderful environment there.”
Who has been in contact with the jumbo athlete?
“I talk to Coach Franklin a lot. He tells me how fired up he is if I was to come to Miami and the future I would have if I went there.”
**Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, and Florida State are also sticking out to Holley.
**He says he will be in Florida “sometime in May” and plans on visiting Miami, Florida, and Florida State.
**Holley said he won’t be playing AAU ball this summer, but will play for his school team.
