Cheshire Academys CJ Holmes gaining steam in recruitment

Cheshire Academy's C.J. Holmes is an interesting prospect. Despite not playing in the 2014 season due to shoulder surgery, the Hamden native holds three scholarship offers, and if the early interest in Holmes is any indication, there will be many more.

Rated as a three-star player, Holmes currently has offers from Boston College, UConn and Temple. BC was the first to offer about a year ago, UConn's came in January and Temple just offered in late-June. He has recently said that BC is the leader.

A dynamic and strong athlete, Holmes has game-breaking potential as a running back, and is very excited to get back on the field with such a talented team at Cheshire Academy- he has six teammates with Division 1 offers. But Holmes has recently begun to realize and appreciate the value of excelling on defense.

"I used to see myself on the offensive side of the ball. But now, I'm embracing defense and trying to be a shutdown corner," he told UConn Report. "So now I don't have a preference."

UConn's Josh Reardon first got in touch with Holmes last year. Holmes attended junior day early in the year and was evidently impressive enough to earn a scholarship offer shortly thereafter.

For an offer to materialize with such little film is something that he does not take for granted.

"A lot of schools are interested, but it's understandable (not to have offers from all of them). I don't have a ton of film. I have to appreciate the coaches (who have offered) for seeing my potential. It's definitely a blessing." Some of the other schools who have shown interest include Rutgers, Maryland, Syracuse, Virginia, Duke and Old Dominion.

Holmes echoed a common sentiment when describing what he liked about UConn, "I don't know of any school in the area that has that kind of facility."

While it's still early in the process for any 2017 prospect, it is especially so for Holmes given his lack of game film. It wouldn't be surprising to see him stack up offers during his junior campaign. He had a standout performance at the Rivals Camp in New Jersey, where he was rated among the top underclassmen in attendance. He will also be playing on the New England All-Stars in the upcoming New York vs. New England 7-on-7 All-Star Challenge in Stamford, CT on August 1.

"I'm looking forward to taking away the left side of the field," he said.

Holmes will definitely be tested by the New York All-Star's offense, which will have the Rutgers-bound duo of Taysir Mack and Ahmed Bah, who are also teammates at the powerhouse Grand Street Campus in Brooklyn.

While Holmes will be representing all of New England in the All-Star Challenge, he has considered the opportunity to represent his home state when he makes his college decision.

"The thought is always there. I'm not sure where I'll end up, but I wouldn't rule it out."