A 6-0, 213-pound redshirt sophomore, Holliman leads the nation with 13 interceptions after getting three against Boston College in a 38-19 win. Holliman has come down with at least one interception in eight of the Cardinals' 10 games while displaying the kind of instincts, awareness and anticipation that are hard to find at the position. He exhibits the hands and ball skills of a receiver, yet plays with the aggressiveness that also allows him to act as an enforcer between the hashes. Holliman has a keen understanding of when to attack the ball or play the man, a skill most NFL defensive backs lack.
That's why I believe veteran scouts will see a young Ed Reed in Holliman's play when they take a closer look. When I evaluated Reed during his final season at Miami, I was blown away by his instincts, awareness and ball skills as a deep defender in the Hurricanes' scheme. He had a knack for being around the ball, and his ability to make the play was unrivaled in the college game. As a result, Reed snagged 21 interceptions during his four seasons at Miami, including 17 during his junior and senior seasons. With those traits also fueling Reed's production as a pro (64 career interceptions in 12 seasons), it is possible that Holliman could develop into a game-changing defender at the next level.
