A conversation with Ualbany WR Dev Holmes
Q: Going into Saturday’s game (at William & Mary), you had four games in your college career. Is college football what you thought it would be?
A: Yes. I work hard. I put a lot of time into the game.
Q: You have put up numbers that a true freshman (wide receiver) doesn’t usually put up (28 catches, 587 yards, four touchdowns in four games). Are you surprised at what you have done so far?
A: No. I joke around with my brothers (Daquan, Darius, Davel) all the time and tell them I am a different breed. Everything I did over the summer shows every week on the field, so I am not surprised at all. This is what I practiced for over the summer, and all my life.
Q: Are you a confident guy?
A: Yes. Not cocky. I am confident. I play with a chip on my shoulder.
Q: Originally, you were going to go to school at Villanova. How did it all come down that you ended up here?
A: College credits. (Villanova) was not accepting all of them. Also, the business school at Villanova. They told me I would have to wait until my junior year to try and get into it but there was not going to be a 100 percent chance that I would because so many people apply for the business school. That played a part in it. The football part ... Albany and Villanova said the same things that I would have a chance to fight for a position and start my freshman year. The football part did not play a major role (in his decision). It came down to credits, because, right now, I am a sophomore (academically) here.
Q: So, you took classes early to get ahead of the game academically.
A: Yes. Q: You are not big. You are listed at 5-foot8, 153 pounds. How do you do what you do? A: Speed kills (smiles). I keep working on my speed and try to be the best player out there.
Q: How fast are you?
A: I run a 4.4 (seconds in 40-yard dash) now.
Q: What are you trying to get to?
A: John Ross (Cincinnati Bengal wide receiver) speed. 4.2. If I keep putting work in, I think I can do that.
Q: Favorite football team.
A: Eagles. I used to watch Mike Vick, Donovan Mcnabb, Desean Jackson and Lesean Mccoy when they were on the team. I used to watch them with my older brother. My dad (Melvin) is a Cowboys fan; he used to laugh at us all the time. I grew up watching the Cowboys, but I never liked them.
Q: Who is laughing now?
A: Me. I got the last laugh last year. Let’s see what happens this season.
Q: If you had to describe your coach Greg Gattuso in one word, what would it be?
A: Intelligent. He is a smart dude, and he’s loyal to us. It’s like having a family away from your family.
Q: When you are on the field, do you think you can break a play every time you get the ball?
A: Yes. And the more I keep playing, the more I read the defenses easier. Even before the game, I am thinking that no one on the field can guard me. Each and every play, I am going to try and beat you down and make you quit before the game is over.
Q: Is it pretty neat for you to be able to play at home (Holmes is from Troy)? A: That played a part in me coming here, knowing that I would have my family come to every game. Knowing you can go out to eat with your family after a win on Saturday ... not a lot of people on the team get to do that. It feels good to be able to relax and just hang out with them.
Q: Do you still follow your high school football team at Troy?
A: Yes. I went to the Green Tech game when they played at Bleecker Stadium. Me and Joe (teammate Casale, also a Troy alum) shot over there before curfew (11 p.m.).
Q: If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?
A: Kobe Bryant. Tom Brady. Lebron James.
Q: Most touchdowns you ever scored in a game at any level.
A: Probably six in Pop Warner. I played running back in Pop Warner. Q: Do you have goals? Team wise first and then personal.
A: Team wise, to make the playoffs and win a playoff game. We haven’t done that here. My personal goal this year is to win the Jerry Rice Award (which, since 2011, has been given to the most outstanding freshman player in the NCA A Division I Football Championship Subdivision).
Q: If you have a day where you don’t have to worry about studying or practice, what are you doing?
A: Going out to eat. Playing video games. Hanging with friends and maybe going to an amusement park like Six Flags.
Q: Favorite season of the year.
A: Fall! Football.