Bulldogs add DE depth

Coach Croom commented on the strength and depth of the defensive line in this morning's teleconference, and while that is true this year, next year is a different story. What is the best way to rectify that? The JUCO route, and DL coach Brick Haley and staff did just that on Saturday when Mississippi Delta's Jimmie Holmes opted to become a Bulldog. Why did he do it and what will he bring to his new team?

"I went down there with my roommate (Bulldog commitment) Jonathan Williams and just some of the guys we played with, and I was talking to coach Croom and coach Haley and they were telling me how they really need me and how a bunch of their defensive line was leaving and they needed somebody to produce in the field," he said. "I just thought about it over the weekend and committed to them Saturday.

"I just like how the coaches are really involved with the players and the atmosphere down there."

Holmes makes State's 23rd commitment, and while unsure which side he will contribute on immediately, he knows he will be a defensive end. At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, he runs a 4.7-second 40-yard dash and explains what the Bulldogs are getting.

"They are getting a speed rusher and a little bit of ability to stop the run," he said. "But mostly a speed rusher off the end."

Originally from Aiken, S.C., Holmes chose the Bulldogs over interest from Ohio University. The Bulldogs have been following him for a while, however.

"Quite a while," he said. "Since the spring and over the summer."

So when will he end up at State?

"Hopefully December, but if not then, then in the spring."