Going in-depth with major freshman defensive end DD Holmes
Dane Draper
In an effort to better familiarizeFlorida Statefans with members of the remaining newcomers from the 2024 recruiting class who did not enroll early for the spring, Noles247 is speaking with as many of these new 'Noles as possible prior to their summer enrollment in Tallahassee.
We're calling this seriesNew Noles,and we hope that FSU fans are able to get a better understanding of who each newcomer is, on and off the gridiron.
A top out-of-state target for the Seminoles staff throughout the 2024 recruiting cycle, and one of the most talented defensive ends they have signed in recent years, DD Holmes is one of the more exciting additions to the program this summer. From the DMV area, Holmes chose FSU primarily over South Carolina and local Maryland.
Previous installments:
OLManasse Itete: ClickHEREto read.
DTD'Nas "Debo" White: ClickHEREto read.
RBMicahi Danzy: ClickHEREto read.
OL TransferJacob Rizy: ClickHEREto read.
DB Ricky Knight: Click HERE to read.
What originally attracted you to Florida State?
"Just the commitment from the coaches that recruited me and the family environment that they provide. It was just consistent all the way through, and I felt like that was truly who they are, and I still feel that way."
When you were deciding between a number of schools in the end, what pushed FSU over the top?
"How they were when I was there was the same as how they were over the phone and over text. Like I said previously, just very consistent. What they showed was just immaculate, overall."
Been six months since you signed with FSU, what do you think about that decision now?
"I'm still very comfortable with my decision. I feel like I made a great decision for me and my family, because, like I said, what they showed and what they were selling in the beginning is really who they are."
What are you looking forward to doing most when you enroll at FSU?
"I'm excited to experience this high-level football and be around some great competitors, and also be around some great guys. I know this football program has a lot of great human beings on the team, so just connecting with those guys, building relationships, playing some good ball, and educating myself in the classroom."
Coming from D.C., was distance a big concern in your decision to sign with FSU?
No, not really. I was looking for the people at the place, not necessarily where that place was. If I felt that family environment on Mars, then that's where I would've went."
What kind of expectations do you have for yourself in year-one?
"I know what I have to do, which is going in and work. Put my head down and work. Everything else will come after that. I just have to give it everything I have, and I'm going to get out what I put in."
The defensive end room this season has a lot of depth. What are your thoughts on that regarding year-one expectations?
"I have thought about that, but that depth also gives me some competition. I don't want anything to be easy, so that depth is going to push me every day, day in and day out. And like I said earlier, I'm going to get out what I put in. So if I go in and work, and do what I've got to do, then I'm going to climb the depth chart when it's needed."
Do you envision your game like any other FSU players?
"Throughout my recruiting process, of course they compared my body to Patrick Payton, but I'm my own player."
What’s your height and weight right now before you head into the program?
"I'm 6-foot-6, 250 (pounds)."
Is there a goal weight or anything like that once you’re in the program?
"They feel like the weight I have right now is good. I just have to build muscle and lose fat. Just get faster and stronger."
What do you think the strengths of your game are?
"My football IQ – I feel like I read plays well. My reaction time is quick, and my motor is high."
What are some of your goals over your FSU career?
"Of course I want to win every award possible, but just leaving my legacy on the Florida State program."
Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
"I'd have to say my mom. Over the 18 years of my life, she's been very consistent for me. She deserves everything that's coming for our family in the future."
What motivates you?
"Failure - I never want to fail at anything I do, so just working and working so that is never even an option."
What kind of teammate are you?
"I bring a lot of energy to the environment that I'm in – the locker room, the field. Just energy and I'm very supportive of my teammates."
How do you deal with adversity?
"I deal with it with a 'next step' mentality. I can't change what happened in the past, so I just take the next step very well, so the adversity is overcome."
What values are important to you?
"I feel like loyalty and trust is big. One thing I stand on pertaining to loyalty, is once you have my word, then that's what I'm going to do. And trust, I feel like you have to build trust with everyone. That's just a baseline for a relationship."
Is there a favorite food from your hometown that you’ll miss most down here?
"Chicken wings and mumbo sauce is definitely something I'll miss from the DMV area."
What is your go-to song or music artist on gameday?
"It just depends on the mood. Because sometimes I like a higher pace, and sometimes I like to slow it down. A good, steady in-the middle that I can always rely on is Lil Durk. He's No. 1 on my list, artist wise."
Do you have a talent outside of football that fans might not know about?
"The fans can't really experience it, but when I'm in the shower, I'm a great singer."
