2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Julian Holguin, WR, Anderson University

• Name: Julian Holguin
• Position: WR
• College: Anderson University
• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 174 lbs
• Twitter: @juliansh7
• Instagram: @juliansh7

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

Growing up I played baseball, football, and basketball. Football was always the most challenging to me and I’ve learned the most from the sport. Football has helped me on and off the field. It has thought me lessons that I would have never learned without playing football. I love growing and getting better so I want to play football for as long as possible. Battling adversity is fun for me and I love going through challenges. Overcoming these challenges results in learning lessons in football and for life after football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment from my football life was a lesson my Coach CJ Nightingale taught me. He made me realize that time is the most valuable thing we have because once it is used up we can’t get that time back. This has helped me with becoming good at using my time properly and in ways that will result in me achieving my goals/dreams.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My father (Andrew Holguin) inspires me the most. He has believed in me since day one. Even when I was a little leaguer in baseball and I told him I wanted to be a professional baseball player, he believed in me. He has also taught me that I can do whatever I put my mind to if I really want it. My mother (Rita Daugherty) is a tie with him though. She has worked very hard to support me throughout life and my journey and she is the person who inspired me to take on challenges and push through them no matter what. I would love to be able to repay her someday.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I am looking forward to working with our new offense run by Coach Coddington. He has tremendous football knowledge and I believe we will surprise very many people this season. Personally, I want to break every record possible but at the end of the day it is about winning football games and I look forward to that the most.

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

I would hang out with Cooper Kupp. He has great football knowledge and I would love to talk football with him and learn from him.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Anderson?

I love that I have felt welcomed there ever since I transferred there. Another thing that I am loving about playing football at Anderson is the team chemistry we have built this spring. I love seeing other people improve and I saw a lot of that during the spring. I love that I feel like I can trust my teammates to do what it takes this summer in order to become the team we are trying to be.

What should we know about Julian Holguin the person?

What if I am doing anything, I am going to do it at my best ability. I do not like wasting time and if I am doing something I might as well do it to the best of my ability. I’ve translated that mindset onto the football field and I have been working on each ability needed to be a great receiver at the next level. Even if I make it there, I will continue to work and try to get better each day because that is the type of person I am.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite offensive run scheme is the zone run scheme. It allows the running backs to use their athletic ability and vision to create plays. This type of run offense also makes it easier for offensive linemen to block because it gets their feet going and the line of scrimmage moving.
My favorite offensive pass scheme is the west coast offense. The short and intermediate routes allow receivers to really show how well they can run routes. This type of passing also makes it easier on the quarterback if they make the right reads. These plays will also tighten up a defense and allow for one on one opportunities or deep shots. I like running this offense because I can burn people with my speed, stop on a dime, run great routes, and catch balls on timing from our quarterback. Also, this offensive style has taught me a lot about reading defenses and identifying coverages.

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

I handle challenges with a level head and always play out my options and the consequences of each action I do in order to overcome the challenge. Then I pick the best solution for others’ needs and adapt with my needs. If a challenge gets the best of me then I learn from that and use that for my next challenge.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a player who is willing to step up to the challenge and continue to raise their bar every single day. They would also get a player who is not selfish and will do what it takes to win because at the end of the day, that is what it comes down to. Overall they would get a receiver who can read coverages well, catch the ball in traffic, catch the ball and get upfield, has great speed, knows how to use defenders’ leverage against them, will block until the whistle, and will give 100% every play.

What stands out about your film the most?

The thing that stands out most about my film is my speed. Not only vertical speed but having great speed out of my breaks my in routes and creates separation.

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

The most underrated player I’ve ever played with is Kevon Gregory. I played with him at Indiana Wesleyan University and his athletic ability on the field was insane, he always seemed to make the play no matter what. He is definitely a lockdown defensive back and I hope to see him in the next level.