2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gabe Holmes, DL, Campbell University

• Name: Gabe Holmes
• Position: DL
• College: Campbell University
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 290 lbs
• Twitter: @GabeHolmes
• Instagram: @gabeholmes

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’d say my father had a big influence on me falling in love with the game as a kid. He was the first to introduce it to me. Being from Tampa, my family has always been Bucs fans and I can still remember my house going crazy when Tampa won their first super bowl in 2003, even though I was only 5 years old.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Present: Aaron Donald

Past: Ocho-Cinco (Chad Johnson)

Aaron Donald because it’s Aaron freaking Donald. Would love to learn from the most dominant player in the game right now & we play the same position. Ocho just because I loved his swag and flair, he seems like a fun guy to hang with.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Campbell?

My favorite things about playing for Campbell is the bond I’ve created with my brothers here, playing for a great head coach like Coach Minter, and also having the opportunity to create a legacy and be a part of the first football team in the school’s history to win any type of championship.

What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

I would say my explosiveness and quickness is elite for an interior defensive lineman. I would also say that I have a greater understanding of what an offensive lineman is trying to do to me/how they are trying to block than most defensive linemen because I started at offensive linemen for my first 2 season of college ball. I also played primarily offensive line in high school. I made the transition to defensive line after my sophomore year in college.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

My keys to success are to play with great technique and have a great understanding of your job and assignment within the defense. Also, having a great motor (high effort) and the will to win.

What should we know about Gabe Holmes the person?

That I’m the best and most versatile defensive tackle coming out of the FCS in the 2023 NFL prospect class. Oh, and I love the women in my life more than anything. Shoutout to my mom, grandma, auntie, and RIP to my grandma Yvonne.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme is playing from a true 3 technique in a 4 down front. It’s where I feel I can create the most havoc as a defensive lineman with my pass rush against guards and wrecking gap scheme against pulling guards.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments that I can think of are all winning moments because it’s the best feeling. 1 was winning a lineman competition camp in Florida during high school called “bull in the ring.” Another was going back to back undefeated 10-0 in the regular season & winning the district/region @ my high school (East Lake). My last favorite football moment will be a college one don’t worry. Big South conference championship in 2022 loading…

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges in life similarly to how I handle them on the field. Failure is inevitable, but it’s the man who’s not afraid of failure and learns from it is who will succeed. I try to remember that in all aspects of my life, whether I fail a test, or miss a tackle, it’s all about how I respond after that. Having a strong mentality and a strong support system around you will always help with challenges in life and with football.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A straight DAWG! Someone who’s willing to put it all on the line for his brothers every single play that I’m on the field!

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to finally bringing home a championship to Campbell. I’m also looking forward to the journey that we are about to embark on altogether. Every practice, every meeting, every game, I just want to soak it all in and enjoy every moment of my last year of college ball. Last one best one indeed!

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with is Bryant Barr. He’s our running back at Campbell right now and I believe he has all the tools to take the next step and become one of the top backs in the FCS and 2023 draft class.