Tag: Des Holmes

Former Penn State OL Des Holmes announces transfer decision

Former Penn State offensive lineman Des Holmes has announced his transfer decision

The college football transfer portal activity has been jumping all over the place in recent days. Among the updates from the transfer portal recently is a decision made by former Penn State offensive lineman Des Holmes. After sitting in the transfer portal for over a month, Holmes is now officially on his way to the Pac-12.

Holmes announced his commitment to Arizona State with a message posted on his Twitter account on Wednesday evening.

“It is with my deepest gratitude that I say goodbye to Penn State and Nittany Nation,” Holmes said in his statement. “I am grateful for the experience and support I received as a Nittany Lion.”

“I am proud to officially be committed to Arizona State University, Holmes confirmed. “Go Sun Devils!”

Holmes was a redshirt senior that appeared in 10 games for Penn State in 2021, all as a backup lineman or on special teams. He was the third player to jump into the transfer portal from Penn State this offseason, prior to the bowl game. He will have one final year of eligibility to use with his new school.

The offensive line at Penn State is certainly a concern in the offseason after a challenging year blocking for the running game and seeing quarterback Sean Clifford get roughed up against some more physical defensive lines this season. The offensive line, collectively, must improve for Penn State to once again be a team capable of being in the Big Ten championship conversation. And losing depth on the offensive line is never ideal. However, Penn State does have something to look forward to with the unit with some younger options getting their feet wet at times this season.

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Penn State sees third player enter NCAA transfer portal

Penn State offensive lineman enters NCAA transfer portal

The transfer portal season is hitting high gear, but things have been relatively quiet early on for Penn State. But a third player from Happy Valley has reportedly entered his name in the transfer portal this week. BAckup offensive guard Des Holmes is reportedly the newest addition to the transfer portal, as first reported by Sean Fitz of Lions 247 this week. The news of Holmes entering the transfer portal was also reported by On3.

Holmes is a redshirt senior who appeared in 10 games for the Nittany Lions in 2021. Those appearances came as a backup offensive lineman or on special teams, so it would appear this entry into the transfer portal may be about finding a more meaningful role before exhausting his eligibility once and for all.

The offensive line is certainly a concern in the offseason after a challenging year blocking for the running game and seeing quarterback Sean Clifford get roughed up against some more physical defensive lines this season. The offensive line, collectively, must improve for Penn State to once again be a team capable of being in the Big Ten championship conversation. And losing depth on the offensive line is never ideal. However, Penn State does have something to look forward to with the unit with some younger options getting their feet wet at times this season.

Players may enter their name in the NCAA’s transfer portal database to officially be open to recruitment by potential transfer options. While this allows players to have the opportunity to freely evaluate their options, a player may always pull their name at their current school and remain where they are. However, once a player enters his name in the transfer portal, a coach and program may make that player’s scholarship available for another player or recruit.

We’ll wait to see what the future holds for Holmes. He joins safeties Tyler Rudolph and Enzo Jennings in the transfer portal.

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Here are all 32 football players being recognized on Penn State’s senior day

Sean Clifford, Jahan Dotson, Jaquan Brisker, Journey Brown among those being honored at Penn State’s senior day

Penn State will play its final game in Beaver Stadium for the 2021 season on Saturday afternoon against Rutgers. And with this being the final home game of the season, it is the final opportunity for 32 players to step foot on the field inside Beaver Stadium for a game. Penn State will recognize 32 players for senior day festivities prior to kicking off against Rutgers on Saturday.

Of course, this is a slightly different type of senior day. Of the 32 players being recognized on Saturday afternoon, three players will be going through the senior day ceremony for a second time. Jaquan Brisker, Tariq Castro-Fields, and Ben Wilson were all recognized in Penn State’s senior day ceremony last season, but the NCAA allowed all players to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the entire sports world. So those three players opted for one more season in Happy Valley.

Of note, Penn State will recognize Sean Clifford, who could still potentially return for another season in 2022 (also a result of the NCAA’s decision on extra years of eligibility for all). Clifford isn’t the only player who can take advantage of that option, but there remains plenty of discussion on whether or not Clifford will return for another season.

Clifford’s top receiving target, Jahan Dotson, will also be recognized. Although Dotson could return for another season as well, there is no suggestion he will do so. Dotson is expected to be one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2022 NFL draft, and some believe he could be a first-round pick.

Penn State will also recognize Journey Brown. Brown was forced to medically retire prior to the 2020 season after learning of a health concern that made continuing playing football a risky endeavor.

Here is the full list of players Penn State will honor during the senior day, as provided by Penn State’s athletics department;

  • Jaquan Brisker
  • Ellis Brooks
  • Journey Brown
  • Tariq Castro-Fields
  • Rafael Checa
  • Max Chizmar
  • Sean Clifford
  • Jahan Dotson
  • Arnold Ebiketie
  • Winston Eubanks
  • Henry Fessler
  • Fred Hansard
  • Drew Hartlaub
  • Vlad Hilling
  • Des Holmes
  • Bradley King
  • Will Knutsson
  • Kaleb Konigus
  • John Lovett
  • Jesse Luketa
  • Jordan Miner
  • Mike Miranda
  • PJ Mustipher
  • Jordan Stout
  • Cam Sullivan-Brown
  • Johnathan Sutherland
  • Derrick Tangelo
  • Dan Vasey
  • Justin Weller
  • Anthony Whigan
  • Ben Wilson
  • Eric Wilson

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