Holmes To Visit Schools; Turner Sets Timetable

Harrisonburg’s (VA) running game was tough to stop last season, thanks in part to the performances of junior running back Landon Turner . The 6-6, 300-pound Turner entered the 2009 season as the more well known prospect, but the 6-0, 200-pound Holmes earned attention from college recruiters with a big-time junior season including several remarkable performances.

Holmes burst onto the scene in 2009, rushing for 914 yards in Harrisonburg’s first three games. He broke out in a big way in game number three, rushing for 413 yards and eight touchdowns in a 69-27 win over Robert E. Lee Staunton. Each of Holmes’ eight scores came in the first half, tying a state record.

“I think we all knew that Michael was a special athlete,” Harrisonburg head coach Tim Sarver said. “The thing is, he played behind Alex Owah , so he didn’t get as much recognition as he might have had. As he played, he showed he could do just as good a job as anybody we’ve ever had. It was a pleasant surprise for him to do as well as he did this year.”

Holmes would go on to rush for 2,580 yards on the year, helping Harrisonburg to a 10-2 overall record including an appearance in the Region III, Division 4 final. He showed an ability to run inside and outside, displaying good speed and big-play ability.

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