Christian “Turtle” Holmes Making Moves
Sep 6, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; UAB Blazers wide receiver Josh Magee (9) advances the ball and is hit by Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Christian Holmes (44) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Turtles don’t move fast. They move slow. So it makes sense that Christian “Turtle” Holmes would wait until his 5th year senior year to break out.
Christian Holmes has been a team player, and fan favorite, since day one. When ESPN All-Access previewed the 2013 Bulldogs you would figure they’d pick starting QB Tyler Russell to be the front man – but an unknown (nationally) special teams player? Well, Turtle was selected to host the show with Tyler.
On the video board, the guy making folks laugh in preparation for the Kiss Cam? That would be Christian Holmes.
He will do anything. He is one of the leaders of this MSU football team, and now he’s getting his chance to make his mark.
He came to State as a two-star outside linebacker from Puckett, MS. After redshirting the 2010 season he mostly played special teams in 2011 and 2012. Check out this big hit vs. Kentucky two years ago..
Then in 2013 he switched to Tight End. That’s right – after three years in the program he moved from a crowded position at LB to arguably a more crowded position at TE. He still excelled at special teams, but never really got on the field much as an offensive player. He did not record any stats.
Now, in 2014, Turtle has moved back to outside linebacker, and he’s making some noise. There was a lot of talk about how redshirt freshman Dez Harris was ready to make a splash. Holmes is saying, ‘not so fast my friend’.
After three games Turtle is third on the team in tackles with 15. He has also recorded one pass break-up. He’s been on the field a lot – a true “1b” guy at linebacker.
Who saw Turtle Holmes as a major contributor before the year? No one really. Most still believed he was at TE, as that is where he was listed on the official roster.
It couldn’t have happened to a better guy. Turtle is a team player who is finally getting his chance to shine. He’s worked hard and here he is ready to make some plays for MSU in the SEC season.