Rookie CB Joshua Holsey
Welcome back to the B&G Report. If this is your first view, hope you enjoy the rookie analysis. This weeks “Rookie Spotlight” shines on former Auburn cornerback Joshua Holsey. As a late 7th round pick by the Washington Redskins, the corner is viewed as a developmental pick at best. After watching Holsey’s game film though, he’s so much more than a special teams depth player. A good friend of mine from New York, named Jordana is currently attending Auburn University. She loves her team, so I hope I can live up to the “War Eagle” tradition during my player analysis! Let’s get to it!
The Prospect
Selected 235th overall, Joshua Holsey was projected to be an early round prospect. Unfortunately that was before dealing with a myriad of injuries, while playing for Auburn. The cornerback played in 44 career games at Auburn and registered 118tackles and 4 interceptions. Holsey was the unquestioned leader of the Auburn secondary, during his final year and was known for his trash talking on the field. The undersized DB frequently faced receivers well over 6’2 215lbs, but always seemed to time the ball well and make plays with precision (You Tube above). Holsey also excelled off the field, earning All ACC Academic Honors. Staying healthy was this issue for the talented corner though. When Holsey dealt with a second ACL injury to his left knee, he looked to his father for courage and guidance. Holsey’s father is a U.S. Army veteran who lost his leg in 2004 while stationed in Iraq. His father was part of a military convoy, that ran over an IED explosive. He was stationed in the Middle East at the time and would later be transferred to a military hospital in Germany, before returning permanently stateside. At only 10 years old, the younger Holsey watched his father fight and overcome adversity. He didn’t know it at the time, but his fathers tragedy would be a blessing in the future. During a surgery consultation, Holsey was advised by doctors that a second ACL repair would end his career as a football player. The young DB had another option though. The Auburn DB was told that he would have a chance to continue his football career, but the invasive procedure wouldn’t be easy. Doctors explained that a surgery removing the tendon from his good knee, would be the only alternative. The tendon would be grafted to his torn ACL, which would give the youngster an opportunity to continue playing the sport he loved. He feared that having procedures on both knees, would still hurt his chances to make it to the pros. The Auburn cornerback looked to his father for guidance. Holsey recalls as a young child witnessing his father rehabbing with a prosthetic leg, after only 3 months post amputation. Holsey learned early on in life the benefits of rehab, taking care of his body and never giving up from his father. He would bring that same drive to the Washington Redskins. On draft night, Holsey vowed to play with a chip on his shoulder, after dropping to the 7th round in the NFL draft. He knew his hurdles would be nothing compared to what his father dealt with though.
Father and Son after running a charity marathon.
The First Season
Holsey saw his first action vs the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. The only Redskins special teams highlight of the night, came when the WarEagle bailed out Jamison Crowder on a fumbled punt return. With half a dozen Eagles around the ball, Hosley dove on top of the football before the ball got to the Redskins 5 yard line. That play stopped a potential touchdown fumble recovery. Although it was the only contribution Hosley made that night, it helped the Skins stay competitive. Since that game, opportunities have been few and far between for the rookie. He’s currently sixth on the Skins cornerback depth chart, but with the rash of injuries he’s continually been active on game day. His contributions will have to be on special teams this year, unless two other cornerbacks get injured.
The Future
Going forward I envision Holsey’s opportunities to see the field increase. Soon to be free agent Bashaud Breeland will not be back in 2018, based on his potential asking price. After that, only Norman & Fuller are locks to be back next year in my opinion. Fellow rookie cornerback Fabian Morea has huge potential as well, but is not a slot/nickel corner. Holsey on the other hand, has excelled at covering the slot. He’s shown a lot of moxie this year, he also seems to work well with Norman and Swearinger. Holsey definitely has the gift of gab. The youngster loves getting into opposing receivers heads on the field, as do the other Skins DB’s. Most teams don’t have high expectations for their 7th rounders, but this kid is different and could excel if he continues to avoid the injury bug. The chances will be available for the opportunistic Joshua Holsey to get more playing time, but it’ll be up to him to follow in his father’s footsteps and continue to persevere.
Stay tuned for the next B&G Report and the Dallas Pre-Game Primer!
Comments