Florida State University Loses Freshman Defensive Lineman

News Summary

Florida State University has lost another player to the NCAA Transfer Portal, as freshman defensive lineman DD Holmes officially exits the program. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 255 pounds, Holmes had high expectations after joining FSU from Gonzaga College High School. However, limited playing time during the 2024 season and changes in coaching staff led to his decision. As he enters the transfer portal, there are questions about his next steps and what this means for FSU football.

Freshman Defensive Lineman DD Holmes Checks Out of Florida State

In a surprising twist, Florida State has lost yet another player to the NCAA Transfer Portal, as freshman defensive lineman DD Holmes made his exit official this past Sunday. This development has fans and sports enthusiasts alike raising their eyebrows, wondering what the future holds for this young player.

Who is DD Holmes?

Standing tall at a statuesque 6-foot-6 and tipping the scales at 255 pounds, DD Holmes comes from none other than Washington, D.C. He signed on with Florida State University (FSU) after wrapping up his high school career at Gonzaga College High School, joining the team just before the 2024 season kicked off. With such an impressive build, there were high hopes for Holmes to make a significant impact on the field.

The Journey Begins

Holmes, a four-star prospect according to recruiting rankings, committed to Florida State on July 1, 2023. He was recognized as the No. 329 overall prospect and the No. 42 defensive lineman in his recruiting class. Not to mention, he shone brightly as the second-best prospect hailing from Washington, D.C., creating quite the buzz around his potential.

Choosing Florida State wasn’t a snap decision for Holmes. He had several options on the table, including offers from well-known schools like Maryland, South Carolina, and Rutgers. Given the competitive nature of college football, his choice showcased a belief in FSU’s programs and coaching staff.

Limited Playing Time

Despite the promising start and a notable background, things didn’t pan out as expected for Holmes on the field during the 2024 season. He only saw action in one game, putting together a stat line with an assisted tackle and two quarterback hurries. This limited exposure likely contributed to his decision to enter the transfer portal. Many fans and analysts have been left wondering how a player with such remarkable high school credentials ended up spending most of his time on the scout team.

A Shift in the Roster

DD Holmes isn’t going out alone, though. He becomes the second player from his high school class to leave FSU via the transfer portal, joining quarterback Luke Kromenhoek. In total, FSU has seen about 19 scholarship players make a similar move since wrapping up a challenging 2-10 season. Talk about a shake-up!

Coaching Changes and New Direction

Part of the backdrop for these changes includes significant shifts within FSU’s coaching staff. Changes have included moving DE coach John Papuchis to a linebacker position and appointing Terrance Knighton as the new coach of the defensive front. These coaching selections may reshape how defensive ends like Holmes are utilized going forward.

What’s Next for DD Holmes?

As DD Holmes steps into the transfer portal, he brings with him four years of eligibility, opening up a world of possibilities for his future. With his proven track record of success in high school—amassing 19 tackles, eight for loss, three sacks, and a touchdown reception during his senior year—there’s no denying that other colleges will likely be itching to bring him onto their rosters.

As the FSU community watches these developments unfold, one question remains: Where will DD Holmes end up next, and how will this change the landscape of college football? Only time will tell, but for now, the winds of change continue sweeping across Florida State University.