Recruiting 2013: Gerald Holmes

Back in February, the Spartans received a commitment from Michigan running back Gerald Holmes.  Holmes is a consensus 3-star recruit whose only other offers are from CMU and Toledo.  He likely would have ended up with more offers if he hadn't committed so early.

Holmes will fill the role of big running back when he gets to MSU.  He is already 6' 1" and about 205 lbs, and he could put on some more mass throughout his senior year.  There's no info on his athleticism, so we need to take a look at his video.

Holmes is not a burner, but he has serviceable speed.  His best attributes are: good vision (he seems to be able to find the holes), some moves (he makes people miss when he needs to), he can be pretty physical (he goes after tacklers in a few plays and throws some good blocks), and he can catch the ball.

Upshot: I don't think he's as athletic as LeVeon Bell and Larry Caper, but it's always possible that he'll get faster and stronger by the time he gets to MSU.  If he doesn't become more athletic,  his vision and aggressive running style may still win him playing time, perhaps as the "thunder" of any "thunder and lightning" partnership, and he may even have the tools to become an every-down back.  At this point, Holmes looks like less of sure thing than other recruits I've looked at.  But I've also seen guys make dramatic improvements in their highlights from their junior to their senior years (e.g., Monty Madaris and MacGarrett Kings).  So let's wait 'til his senior year video comes out before making bold predictions about Holmes' future.