Holloway looking for the big play

When given space to display his speed, Tampa (Fla.) Alonso High School's Brandon Holloway often made opposing teams pay and pay often. The 5-foot-9 and 155-pound speedster lined up at running back, receiver, defensive back and at kick returner last year and is looking for even more this fall.

Overall, Holloway rushed for 406 yards and four touchdowns, including a 98-yard touchdown run, and also had 191 receiving yards and three more scores. He also returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns, including another one that measured 98 yards.

"Last year we had a good season even though we were really young," said Holloway, who has been timed with 4.4 speed. "Hopefully we have more experience this year and fight through all those challenges. That is what will make us good as a team and what will make us all do better, to just keep battling.

"I will be playing running back and slot receiver and wherever I can play to get into the open field and make big plays."

Currently, Holloway has practicing some with his football teammates. But he first has to wrap up his duties in track.

"We actually started in pads last week and we were just in helmets," said Holloway. "I am not getting in full work just yet because we have the state track meet coming up. I qualified in the 100 meters, 200 meters and the 400 meters."

On the recruiting scene, several colleges have offered Holloway in hopes of adding his God-given speed to their team. Among his offers include Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, Colorado State, Temple, Florida International and Toledo.

Concerning the Bulldogs of the SEC, Holloway noted that offer came just a few days ago.

"Mississippi State offered me about a week ago and I thought that was a good offer," said Holloway. "They have a really good program. They also have a strong track program so that is pretty good, too, for me. I would like to play both sports in college but if I can only play football then that is fine, too.

"I have talked to Coach Dan Mullen and he said they really liked my film. He talked about how he could fit me into the offense and he said he liked the fact I have good grades. He also wants me to come there for a visit soon."

Due to his track schedule, Holloway has only taken one unofficial visit this spring.

"It's been pretty good and a blessing to get these offers," said Holloway. "I am just seeing what all happens and I am not just going for the biggest name but looking to find the best fit.

"I really didn't see anyone this spring except for Miami. I took a tour of their school and it was great and went well. I was just hard to take a lot of visits because of track. But I plan to see some schools this summer."

And making that list of summer visits will soon be on Holloway's agenda.

"I am just waiting until spring football is over," said Holloway. "Then I will make a list for some unofficial visits and also some official visits. I am definitely going to hit the Florida schools and then see who else I want to visit. I definitely want to hit the SEC schools (MSU and Vanderbilt) that have offered me.

"I am willing to stay in Florida for college or I am willing to leave the state. I just want to find my best fit for my future regardless of location."