Having played at the highest level, Holmes knows the spotlight is on him; however, he’s focused on putting his imprint on this Rattlers team and staff. In addition to Holmes, the Rattlers have five new coaches who previously played in the NFL.
“The discipline is the first thing and most important thing, because if I can’t trust you off the field, I can’t trust you on the field,” says Holmes. “Our guys understand that and buy into the type of football we’re trying to play here. It’s pretty much line up and play. You have to be physical, and you have to be smart. You can’t beat yourselves. It’s hard enough to win on Saturdays.”
FAMU is making its second MEAC/SWAC Challenge appearance—they beat Southern 33-27 in 2007—and Holmes understands that this game is a Super Bowl, of sorts, for both schools and both conferences.
“I think [this game] is good for both conferences,” says Holmes of the second-ever meeting between the two teams, and first meeting since 1990. “It’s good for both programs because any time you have a big game as your first game, and kids understand that, then they understand the sense of urgency.”
Holmes’ players are getting the message. “[Last year] we were a slow-pace, casual team,” says senior linebacker Bobby Jackson. “Coach wants to focus a lot on increasing the speed of play, and he wants us to be a physical—don’t think, just a react-type of team. With Coach Holmes being a younger coach and having prior knowledge with the NFL, he can relate more to how we want to play.”
According to Jackson, Holmes has adapted to the head coaching position well. Even though Jackson no longer gets the one-on-one time he previously did, he is excited for his teammates to experience Holmes’ coaching ability.
“He has to split his time with everybody, but with his methods and beliefs toward the linebackers and defense—he now has to spread it out to everybody,” says Jackson. “I think it will be very beneficial to us and will help us win a lot of games.”
Adds sophomore linebacker Akil Blount: “Coach is trying to perfect every aspect of the game to help us become better on and off of the field. He always helps players. He is very supportive and gives a lot of great constructive criticism.”
Morgan Culler is a junior at Florida A&M University, majoring in business management and broadcast journalism.
NFL Veteran Earl Holmes Ready To Take Over The Reigns At His Alma Mater was originally published on praisecharlotte.com
