Passing Game and Run Blocking
Georgia rotated running backs heavily last season – and have done for most of recent history; paired with D’Andre Swift, Holyfield didn’t see the field a huge amount on passing downs, and when he did, his role was often fairly simplified. While he showed decent hands – though this is something that it’s really hard to get a grasp on given the sample size – he didn’t really run routes other than just sitting down in the flat:
If Holyfield does make the roster, it’s fairly unlikely that he sees the field as a receiver much either, as Christian McCaffrey is going to be out there on pretty much every passing down, but if the Panthers do check to a pass on the field, he looks to at least be able to catch the ball if it’s thrown his way, though development as a route runner is likely something the Panthers coaches will likely get him to focus on through training camp in order to maximize their options in that regard.
As a pass protector, he showed both willingness:
And at least some basic technique and understanding of angles:
But as with many college running backs, this is something that he is going to have to work on a fair amount in order to allow him to see the field in certain situations. Similarly, as a run blocker, his willingness to block is currently quite far ahead of his technical proficiency:
All in all, there is a lot to like about Holyfield, and he certainly should have been drafted, especially given that 2019 was hardly a great running back class. However, even though he wasn’t, he should still be viewed as having a real shot to make the 2019 Panthers roster as the team hasn’t invested enough in any running back not named McCaffrey to make them a lock to make the 53.
With his ability to be more of a physical inside runner, he would certainly be able to offer more of a complementary piece to McCaffrey than some of the other options on the roster, with his limitations in the passing game not really being a major negative as long as McCaffrey is healthy.
While it’s hard to disappoint as a UDFA, Holyfield should have a real chance to be a pleasant surprise this training camp. And to think, we got through all that without mentioning that his father is Evander Holyfield…
