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Published: December 17, 2005 10:25 pm

Navarro’s Holmes commits to SMU

Former Tiger signs with Mustangs next week

By Joel Weckerly

Daily Sun

Almost five years ago, Joe Holmes showed up to the first day of Tiger two-a-days with expectations similar to his fellow offensive linemen.

He envisioned an enjoyable high school career, full of success based on discipline, drive and ambition — but he never figured it would take his gridiron career to the next level.

“Whenever I first got into the program at CHS, college football wasn’t in my mind at all,” said Holmes, who just wrapped up his second season at Navarro College. “I was planning on joining the military when I got out of school. Then when I got that offer at Navarro, I decided I’d milk it for all it was worth.”

It’s turned out to be worth far more than he expected. On Wednesday, Holmes will sign a national letter of intent to play football for Southern Methodist University on a full scholarship starting next fall.

The Navarro sophomore chose the Dallas-based university over offers from schools like Louisiana Tech and Stephen F. Austin. Holmes said schools that were initially interested, like Arizona and Kansas, never ended up offering scholarships.

His choice to play for SMU — where he will be under the tutelage of head coach Phil Bennett and offensive line coach Ronnie Vinklarek — turned out to be an easy one.

“I had seen all the campuses and met the coaches,” Holmes said. “I had spent time with the players from each school. SMU was the most beautiful campus I’ve been on, and the coaching staff is wonderful. The players received me warmly there. Plus, it’s only an hour away, so my family can come watch all my games.”

It will be a familiar trend for the Holmeses, who will have watched their son play two years each as a Tiger, Bulldog and now, a Mustang.

Holmes started two seasons for the Bulldogs, and as a sophomore was an honorable mention selection for the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC).

At Corsicana, Holmes was a unanimous first team selection for the All-District 16-4A awards as a senior. He was also a First Team All-Golden Circle choice in 2003.

The 6-foot, 305-pound Holmes is projected as the starting center for the Mustangs in 2006.

“They’re bringing me in as a potential starter,” he said. “They weren’t as happy with their starting center from last season, so I’ll be competing with him for a spot. They told me when I come in on Day 1, I’ll be listed as the starter, and they might move the other guy back to tackle.”

Holmes’ path to a Division I program is not unlike a handful of recent Corsicana offensive linemen. Louis Vasquez, a 2005 CHS graduate, played as a true freshman for Texas Tech this season. Cory Brandon, who will graduate in the spring, has committed to play football for the University of Oklahoma.

“I think CHS has just had a good string of luck producing good athletes on the offensive line,” Holmes explained. “They’ve had some big people coming through here lately, and I don’t consider myself one of them. I’m what you call undersized for a college lineman.”

Holmes is used to being undersized, and thus has driven himself to work a notch harder than his peers. His trek to the collegiate ranks is hardly a fluke, and instead the direct result of countless hours in the weight room and on the practice field.

“To achieve my ultimate goal, which is playing in the NFL, the strategy is just to be better than everyone else,” Holmes said. “I have to be better than those guys to make up for a lack of ability. I’ve always tried to work harder in the weight room, and I ended up being one of the strongest players at Navarro.”

Holmes had a maximum bench press of 420 pounds in the preseason, and is expected to reach 450 at SMU. He’s squatting approximately 600 pounds.

But those totals weren’t reached without dedication. When he was a senior at Corsicana, Holmes was benching around 300 and squatting 450.

“I’ve come an extremely long way,” he said. “I have to credit a lot of those coaches from high school — Coach (David) Wilbanks, Coach (Jeff) Berry, Coach (Randy) Green. Coach Green pushed me the hardest. He made me hurt.”

But that hurt has only made Holmes stronger, earning him a Division I football scholarship. Perhaps now he can pass along that pain as a bruising center for the Mustangs.

—————

Joel Weckerly may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]

Wow: “They’re bringing me in as a potential starter,” he said. “They weren’t as happy with their starting center from last season, so I’ll be competing with him for a spot. They told me when I come in on Day 1, I’ll be listed as the starter, and they might move the other guy back to tackle.”


THat is a very interesting qhote. It looks like Holmes and Allison will compete for the center position next year. The Mustangs definately needed a center who could give them a strong push up the middle, and also who could call out blocking assignments a little better. They also need more depth at tackle, where both graduate next year, so this makes sense. Allison should be allowed to bulk up until he is a Junior now, and, after the tackles graduate, you will have Poynter and Burley ready to take over as upper classmen as well.

Allison is 6-6 and plays Tackle-I think you meant Enright.

You beat me to it, Stallion. Every time I went by practice this fall, Allison was playing right tackle, and I think they want him to shed a few pounds, not add them.

And I like this claim that he's 305 a lot more than the rivals report that said he's 270.

JuCo or not, that's a good way to p*ss off your future teammates. Ever hear Romo say, "they were unhappy with the other qb's ability to scramble."

I am glad to see how strong he is. We've now seen him listed as 6'2 and now at 6' (this article). Which is it?

Agreed. This quote smacks of Ryan Perriloux.

Ben Poynter might be better suited at tackle. There were a number of times where he was shoved straight back onto the qb. It should help with Holmes being a kittle stronger, we got stuffed on a number of qb sneaks, and 3rd and 4th short yardage situation.

Corso wrote:Agreed. This quote smacks of Ryan Perriloux.

Not so fast, my friend.

I would rather have an OL walk in here with a little bit of 'attitude'. He's only repeating what he's heard during the recruiting process.

Way to use Corso's line on himself!

I am Ben Poynter's Dad. Ben walked on as a freshman and within one year earned a scholarship AND started 1/2 the games as a red shirt freshman at left tackle. He started every game last year at Center, now having started 16 games in a row for the Mustangs on the offensive line.

Ben is one of a handful of guys that the Coaching Staff calls upon to take recruits to dinner with the Coaches, the parents of the recruit (typically); then around campus. Why? Because he represents the University in the manner that makes recruits want to be here. I should also mention that Ben is in the Cox undergraduate program and has a cumulative 3.1 GPA. Guess who the coaches selected to take Joe and his parents around on his recruiting visit? Guess Ben did a pretty good job; WELCOME JOE!
I am suprised you take your football "facts" from the hometown newspaper of a recruit. Ben is playing Center next year per Coach Bennett. There is a scenario under which Ben would move to right tackle but it would be based on others not stepping up to take that job and that is not going to happen; they will step up and take the job. It is true that our right tackle is not returning which of course you were not aware of.
I am not going to defend Ben's play on the field; it is not necessary. The Coaches know and the facts speak for themselves. I will tell you that this is an extemely hard working group of o-lineman and they now have a lot of game experience. I am sure that you all will be the first to give them credit when the offense really takes off next year. Again, welcome Joe; you made the right choice and GO MUSTANGS!

I for one am looking forward to the OL next season.

Thank you, Mr. Poynter.

Mr. Poynter--It sounds as if you all have done a great job raising a good mustang! Thanks for the great information. I hope that he continues to do a great job recruiting student/athletes, and in getting his degree!

Mr. P -

First of all, I've had the chance to meet both your son and your ..... nephew (I think -- aren't Ben and Tommy cousins?), and they both come across as first-class young men with their heads screwed on straight and a readily apparent love for both SMU and for football. You and your family have every right to be extremely proud of both.

I would find it very surprising if a starting job was given away before both players are on the field competing for the position. Maybe Joe was told "you'll have a chance to start" or something, but knowing how the coaches believe competition makes everyone better, I can't believe any assurances were made about a starting spot. I can not wait for spring ball -- and I'll pay more attention to the offensive lien than I usually do!

However it shakes out, I hope the starting five earn their spots by turning in exceptional performances to hold off excellent reserves. Hmmm .... an offensive line with quality depth? Can't wait to see it. And kudos to Ben on his help recruiting Joe!

Sorry, I meant Enright, thanks for correcting me Stallion.

Mr. Poynter, your son sounds like a great guy. Anyone who earns a scholarship obviously has a lot of heart and he puts a great amount of effort on the football field. If RT opens up, I actually hope that he is moved out there. From what I have seen, your son is a pretty athletic guy, and I think he would have tremendous success if given the opportunity at that position!

As far as the Holmes quote, I don't think he meant to be a braggart or a jerk about it. I think he was probably taken a little out of context. I think the assumption is probably that Poynter is good enough to start somewhere, so if Holmes can come in and show well in the Spring, move Poynter to tackle, which is the position the coaches initially had him pegged as. If Poynter moves to tackle, then you at least go two deep there on both sides. Without the move, I don't think we have enough depth at that position?