Signed: Desmond Holmes

WHAT HE DID As a senior, Holmes helped spearhead a resurgence at Cardinal O’Hara. After winning only one game in 2015, the Lions finished their regular season undefeated last fall, going 9-0. They claimed the Catholic League championship and advanced to the Philadelphia city championship for private schools but lost to Imhotep Charter and wrapped up their season with a 10-1 record. Holmes was a big part of the team’s improvement, excelling at both offensive and defensive tackle.

WHAT HE WON Holmes was named first-team All-State in Class AAAA by the Pennsylvania Football Writers while also earning first-team All-Conference and All-City honors. He is considered a three-star prospect by Rivals and is rated 15th overall in Pennsylvania.

WHERE HE VISITED Holmes visited Penn State last spring, then turned heads at the Friday Night Whiteout camp on July 15. He received a scholarship offer two weeks later and accepted it in early August, choosing the Nittany Lions over Maryland, Pitt and Temple.

QUOTABLE Holmes: “Just the whole program and the tradition they have – I really like that about Penn State. It’s known for being a great school and a great football program. Also, Coach Franklin and his competitiveness – he’s really committed to making sure that Penn State gets back on top. He’s always stressing that you need to compete in everything you do. I like that. I like that mindset.”

PHIL’S TAKE Of all the prospects in Penn State’s Class of 2017, Holmes might have made the biggest improvement between his junior and senior seasons. He worked with a personal trainer to drop 25 pounds and went on to become a Class AAAA All-State performer as a senior at Cardinal O’Hara. Blessed with great athletic ability and exceptional feet for a player of his size, Holmes plays the game with an attitude. He will most likely fit into Penn State’s plans at the right tackle position. One of four offensive linemen in this year’s class, he is all but certain to redshirt as a freshman.