’A wide receiver or running back’
THEIR games are completely different but Jordan Mailata says Valentine Holmes is making real progress towards reaching his NFL dream.
Mailata, who lines up as offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been helping and guiding former Cronulla Sharks flyer Holmes, who has one month remaining at the IMG Academy in Florida.
The former South Sydney Rabbitoh was himself at the IMG Academy this time last year, impressing at the NFL Combine so that the Eagles picked him up in the seventh round.
Holmes will enter a combine workout event – reportedly early next month – where he will train and perform before talent scouts from all 32 NFL franchises.
The former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos star will be hoping a team will sign him as a free agent or that he picks up a practice squad position as part of the International Player Pathway Program.
Mailata thinks Holmes could develop into a wide re- ceiver or running back.
“I was down there (in Florida) quite recently. I spent a full week with him,” Mailata said.
“I am quite proud at how far he has developed.”
“Val is a natural athlete and would be able to slot into a wide receiver position, or running back. But it is different techniques and he will learn the positions.
“From what I’ve seen and from what I have experienced, and then seeing someone like Val in the same positive place I was a year ago, it’s crazy, but I am happy for him.”