Three-Star OL Holmes Commits to PSU

Penn State picked up its second commitment of the weekend, this time in the Class of 2017, as three-star offensive lineman Desmond Holmes officially ended his recruitment Sunday afternoon.

A native of Springfield, Pa., Holmes emerged on the staff’s radar screen back in the spring. He then became a serious scholarship contender following a solid performance at the Friday Night Whiteout camp on July 15. Once he officially picked up the offer two weeks later, July 28, Holmes made it a priority to get back to Happy Valley. That visit took place yesterday.

“Just the whole program and the tradition they have, I really like that about Penn State,” Holmes said. “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.

“I remember when I was at the Lasch Bash (July 16), even his daughters were competitive. He was telling us that you’ll never see a little girl go so hard at the pie-eating contest. I’ll never forget that. I just think he’s building an atmosphere there that’s headed in the right direction. Between that and the school and everything that has to offer, I think it’s a good pick for me.”

At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Holmes is expected to play offensive tackle for the Nittany Lions, but some schools have looked at him as a defensive tackle. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t have a preference, but he has prioritized relationships throughout the process. Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, offensive line coach Matt Limegrover was able to build a strong relationship with Holmes in just a few weeks.

“I thought he was very helpful and easy to work with at the camp,” Holmes said. “I felt like I learned a few things that day. Then, when I met with him at the Lasch Bash the next day, he was explaining to me and all the lineman there what it means to be a Nittany Lion.

“He wants guys that understand the importance of school and understand how to sacrifice for the team. He wants guys that are high-character guys.”

After earning roughly 20 total scholarship offers, Holmes ultimately narrowed his list to Penn State, Maryland, Pittsburgh and Temple. He’s now the fourth offensive lineman in the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2017, joining Michael Miranda, from Stow, Ohio, Robert Martin, Montvale, N.J., and C.J. Thorpe, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Blue White Illustrated will have much more on Holmes’ commitment in the coming days.