When Jalyn Holmes received his invitation to the 2018 Senior Bowl, the Ohio State defensive end didn’t hesitate to respond.
"It was a no-brainer for me," Holmes said Friday. "It’s another chance to get to play on a (big) stage and showcase my talents to NFL scouts. I’m blessed to be in that situation. When I got the invite, I accepted it the same day."
Holmes is the first Ohio State player to be announced as a participant in this year’s Senior Bowl, the premier annual all-star game for NFL draft prospects. As a Senior Bowl participant, Holmes will practice in front of NFL scouts from Jan. 23-25 before playing in the game, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 27.
That opportunity to participate in the Senior Bowl – an indicator that Holmes, who is currently ranked as the 2018 NFL draft’s 60th-best overall prospect by NFLDraftScout.com, is viewed by evaluators as one of the top senior draft prospects at his position – is a dream come true for the Norfolk, Virginia native.
"Since I was little, I always told my mom and my dad I was going to play in the NFL, and I remember watching the Reese’s Senior Bowl game since I was little on NFL Network, and now that I’m part of it, it’s just a dream come true," Holmes said.
Before Holmes turns his attention to preparing for the Senior Bowl, he’s looking to win one final game as a Buckeye on Dec. 29, when Ohio State plays USC in the Cotton Bowl.
While some NFL draft-bound players around college football have decided to skip their bowl games this year, Holmes said that wasn’t even a consideration for him.
"It’s my last game, I just want to play as hard as I can for the fans ‘cause they’ve supported me all the way through," Holmes said. "This is my last chance to leave my mark on Ohio State history, and just show the people who I am and why I was a captain."
With only two weeks to go until the Cotton Bowl, Holmes said it is starting to sink in that his time as a Buckeye is coming to an end.
"It’s all sinking in a little bit," Holmes said. "This is really the real senior week, really. It’s our last game, and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment, not trying to wish away time. Times where I don’t feel like getting up and coming here, I got to remember, next year I won’t have this. I won’t be in the Woody (Hayes Athletic Center, Ohio State’s practice facility), I’ll be where I’m playing at (in the NFL). So just trying to enjoy every little thing."
Jalyn Holmes is set to play his 49th and final game of his Ohio State career in the Cotton Bowl.
That said, Holmes said he does view the Cotton Bowl as another opportunity for him to impress NFL scouts.
"Oh yeah, for sure," Holmes said. "Film don’t lie. It’s just another chance to make your mark on film."
Going up against USC will mean facing an offense that includes several NFL draft prospects of its own, including Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold, who is widely projected to be among the 2018 NFL draft’s top picks if he decides to go pro after the season.
"Both teams have great NFL prospects," Holmes said. "USC’s got the quarterback (Darnold) and they got some great offensive linemen as well, and guys on defense, so I know both teams will come hard to play. It’s going to be a game to watch."
Among other Buckeye draft prospects, Holmes is one of three Ohio State defensive ends who are projected to be chosen in the 2018 NFL draft, along with Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard, assuming Hubbard – who is graduating on Sunday – declares for the draft after the season.
While Ohio State’s other top defensive end, Nick Bosa, isn’t eligible to declare for the NFL draft after this season, other potential 2018 NFL draft picks on the defensive line alone also include defensive tackles Dre’Mont Jones, Tracy Sprinkle and Michael Hill, with Hill being announced Friday as a participant in the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
