Jaquel Holman enjoys playing running back and is open to continuing in that position at college next year.
The senior from Blackville-Hilda High School committed to the Gamecocks this summer following an impressive performance at one of coach Shane Beamer’s camps. Although South Carolina recruited him as an athlete, likely for a defensive role, Holman hopes to handle the ball.
“Running back, for sure,” Holman stated at the SC PrepRedZone Media Day at Airport High School earlier this month when asked about his preferred position. “It comes naturally to me.”
Initially, Holman played defense at South Aiken, recording 63 tackles as a sophomore before transferring to Blackville-Hilda for his junior year. Coach Kevin Jones first met Holman while mowing the practice field, introduced by the school’s athletic director. Jones was instantly impressed by the 6-foot-1, 193-pound athlete and assured him of opportunities to play offense, especially since Blackville-Hilda, a Class A school, requires players to contribute on both sides.
After watching Holman in practice, Jones knew he had made the right decision. “The first time we gave him the ball in practice, I thought, ‘Damn, that kid is a running back,'” Jones said at the South Carolina Athletic Coaches convention. “He has unbelievable balance, cutbacks, and vision. Everything he does is at a high level. We are extremely happy to have him.”
Jaquel Holman (center) from Blackville-Hilda High School participates in the Shane Beamer Football Camp at the Spurrier Indoor Practice Facility in Columbia on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Pittsburgh offered Jaquel Holman a position at running back, and both North Carolina State and Florida showed interest in him for the same role. However, after committing to the Gamecocks on June 8, Holman ended his recruitment process. This month, he also showcased his skills at running back during the Shrine Bowl Combine.
The Gamecocks’ 2025 recruiting class lacks a traditional running back commitment. Last year, Holman rushed for 1,610 yards and 26 touchdowns for Blackville-Hilda, which reached the Class A semifinals, losing to state champion Christ Church. He also caught two touchdown passes and had 76 tackles, a sack, and an interception on defense.
In addition to football, Holman won the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the Class A track and field championships in May. This year, Coach Jones plans to involve him more in the passing game, utilizing him as a slot receiver during 7-on-7 passing events this summer.
Coach Jones likened Holman’s versatility to that of former USC great and current San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, highlighting Holman’s ability to excel as both a running back and receiver. Holman, who admired players like Samuel and Pharoh Cooper growing up, has shown promise on both sides of the ball.
Jones believes Holman has the potential to shine at the next level. “I know his heart is probably toting the football, which is what all the kids are. He’s a guy that’s going to get a look on both sides of the ball on the next level,” Jones said. “He’s a long kid with speed, and he has everything you want in an SEC football player. He’s got a chance to be special.”
South Carolina Football 2025 Commits (20):
- Jayden Sellers (WR) — committed Oct. 26, 2023
- Brian Rowe (WR) — committed April 9
- Damarcus Leach (DB) — committed April 10
- Anthony Addison (DE) — committed April 12
- Caleb Williams (DE) — committed April 21
- Jaquel Holman (ATH) — committed June 8
- Kobby Sakyi-Prah (DE) — committed June 10
- Chris Hatfield (DB/WR) — committed June 11
- Preston Douglas (TE) — committed June 12
- AJ Holloway (LB) — committed June 14
- Shedrick Sarratt (OL) — committed June 14
- Max Kelley (K) — committed June 15
- Jaquavious Dodd (DL) — committed June 20
- Kyler Farrow (LS) — committed June 22
- Cutter Woods (QB) — committed June 24
- Taeshawn Alston (DE) — committed June 25
- Jaiden Braker (LB) — committed July 6
- Lex Cyrus (WR) — committed July 11
- Donvan Darden (DE/LB) — committed July 15
