Name: Brendan Holmes
School: Simpson
Position: FS
Height:  5’10″
Weight: 195

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

A team goal I set for this season was to help lead my team to a conference title and to get to the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years. These goals fell short as we faced adversity in the middle of the season. A more personal goal I set was to finish off my senior season as an All-American. With a few polls coming out it seems I have fallen a little short of this goal but did receive first team All-Conference for the third consecutive year as well as third team All-Region for the third consecutive year. I was also nominated for the Cliff Harris Award (Small College Defensive Player of the Year Award).

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

They would say that I am an energetic player who enjoys being vocal. They would also say that I am a great leader as well as a positive influence on and off the field. Being a safety allowed me to see the entire defense and to help get my teammates aligned to place our unit in the best possible position for success. I took pride in my role and with being a captain for two years, it helped me become the leader my coaches and teammates saw me as.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

When studying film on myself, I would focus on my alignment and assignment and I credit this to my Defensive Coordinator Ted Haag and my Head Coach Matt Jeter. When breaking down film on opponents, I like to focus on formations, backfield sets, and QB/OL clues to allow myself to be able to recognize trends or tendencies within the game.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I think that with being a four-year starter as a FS, it has given me an opportunity to play in more games and to have more experience against higher level athletes. I believe that my grit and my will to never quit is what gave me the opportunity to be a four-year starter and I believe that this will help me to stand out against other prospects at my position.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My plan is to continue to build strength, but more so place an emphasis on quickness and hip mobility. I have been contacted by a few training facilities and have not made any decisions on where I plan to train. With that being said I have a current location (DSM Performance) in Des Moines that I train at, which has helped launch a few NFL athletes from the area including Allen Lazard, and I have been happy with the progress seen while working out with them.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I will bring the energy day in and day out even when struck by adversity. I believe that without energy, the competitiveness seems to lack a little. With energy being a more on the field trait, the will to be a leader will show on and off the field. I would rather be seen as a selfless teammate who places others in a position to do their best as well as myself. This could be sitting down and helping draw up plays or to help a teammate film study to ensure they understand what they need to know to the fullest. Being selfless helps place a team in the best possible position for success because being selfless places the team first.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

Don’t overlook my abilities on the field because I came from a small school. I embrace the grind and any team that gives me a shot won’t regret it because I will put in the work and I will put in the work behind closed doors. All grind, no glory.