Recruiting saga has happy ending for Seminole Ridge High School running back Gary Holmes

National Signing Day came and went on the first of February with the usual fanfare, but it wasn't such a joyous occasion for one local star.  

 

Seminole Ridge High School running back Gary Holmes found himself without a scholarship offer. He told ESPN 760, "It was very, very frustrating."  

 

Despite racking up more than 3,000 yards for the Hawks during his career, Holmes' lack of size led to a lack of offers.  

 

"I call him Mr. Everything, because he can do everything," said Seminole Ridge head coach Matt Dickmann. "Yeah, he might be 5'9", 175 pounds, but he's the best 5'9", 175-pound football player I've ever coached."

 

Holmes could have committed to Western Michigan early in the process, but chose to wait on other offers and missed out on the opportunity.  When it comes to Middle Tennessee St. however, that's a totally different story.  

 

"An offer was on the table.  They did a home visit.  He went up.  Two days later, he tried to commit and they wouldn't honor the offer," said Dickmann.   

 

Holmes said the Blue Raiders didn't even have the courtesy to call and tell him they changed their mind.  He only learned of their decision when he called the coaching staff.  

 

Fortunately, the story does have a happy ending.  Holmes has since signed with Florida Tech, a Division II school in Melbourne.  The Panthers will begin playing football in 2013, and Holmes will also be able to pursue a degree in engineering.