After going undrafted, former Texas Longhorn Gavin Holmes has found a new home. The talented defensive tackle signed a three-year deal worth $2.975 million with the Detroit Lions on Saturday. Following a productive college career, Holmes will join a Lions team that has had a great deal of success the last few years.
Holmes began his college career with Wake Forest, with which he recorded 46 tackles and two interceptions in three seasons. He transferred to Texas, where he showcased his skills in the SEC. In two seasons with Texas, Holmes recorded 29 total tackles and five pass deflections. While his statistics may not jump off the page, the New Orleans native made the most of his opportunities when called upon.
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As Holmes begins his pro career, he will have some very good veterans to learn from. The Lions’ secondary includes pro-Bowler Brian Branch and All-Pro Kerby Joseph. Last season, Joseph led the NFL in interceptions with nine.
While playing alongside Joseph and Branch is a plus, Holmes will also compete against two of the league’s best wide receivers. In practice, his speed will be put to the test against Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, which should help bring out the best in Holmes’ skills. Regardless of how Holmes fares, those should be entertaining practices to watch.
Although the regular season is still months away, Holmes will be hungry to prove himself. He was a productive player at Wake Forest and Texas and will look to build on his success in the NFL. Longhorns fans have a new reason to tune in for Lions games on Sundays.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former Longhorn Gavin Holmes signs UDFA deal with Detroit Lions