J.J. Holliday, WR
6'0, 165 LBS, FR, Scouts, Inc Grade: 76
Tucson, Arizona (Santa Rita HS)
I am so fast I had time to run all the way down here, lie down, and now I'm about to score!
Overview
The only pure WR recruit for the Sun Devils in 2009, Holliday is a speed receiver who will immediately vie for playing time in 2009 with the departure of Mike Jones and Nate Kimbrough. He is also the first Tucson high school prospect to sign with the Sun Devils since offensive lineman Stephen Berg in 2002, which is a significant achievement for Erickson.
Scouting Report
One of the speediest and most productive receivers in the state of Arizona, Holliday ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash as a 17 year old at the Under Armour/Scout.com Phoenix Combine in May of 2008, the fastest of all camp participants. He also bench presses 275 pounds and squats 350. A dynamic, game breaking all-purpose threat, he is regarded as a very disciplined receiver and a tremendously talented special teams returns specialist. Has the potential to score any time he touches the ball, he is also an excellent student athlete, as he carries a 3.70 grade point average into ASU.
Accolades
Rated as the No. 4 wide receiver prospect in the state of Arizona by Scout.com, he earned preseason 4A-II All-State honors prior to his senior season by 24-7football.com. He also earned postseason All-4A-II honors by the same publication. Ranked as the No. 93 receiver in the country by ESPN's Scouts, Inc. He also collected first-team All-City, All-Region and All-Southern Arizona honors as well as honorable mention All-State recognition.
High School Career
Coached by Jeff Scurran at Santa Rita High School, he led Santa Rita to the 2008 Arizona 4A-II state championship game. Caught 109 passes for 2,351 yards with 30 touchdown teceptions during his junior and senior seasons at Santa Rita and averaged an excellent 21.6 yards-per-catch during that span.
Senior Year
Caught 55 passes for 1,100 yards and 13 TDs.
Junior Year
Caught 54 passes for 1,251 yards and 17 TDs.
The Decision
"I liked everything about the visit (to ASU)," says Holliday. "I got a good vibe; everyone was really close to each other. I really found all the coaches to be very inspirational." Verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Dec. 21, 2008, immediately following his official visit to ASU. "I really like the way the campus was and the coaches," says Holliday. "Coach Erickson is a legend, (there are) not many chances you get to play with that kind of leadership." Selected ASU over Arizona, Colorado State and Utah, among others.
More after the jump.
Scouts, Inc's take.
"Holliday is a well-rounded receiver prospect who does a lot of the little things right at the position. Actually appears much taller and defined on film than his listed measurables would indicate. Has big hands and will go up and attack the football. Really adjusts his hips and body well to the ball in the air. Displays great concentration and body control as a pass catcher. Needs to become more polished and sharper as a route runner but he is savvy and does a good job finding the open windows in zone defenses and working his way back to the quarterback. Can move the chains after the catch with deceptive strength, elusiveness and good openfield vision. Flashes good top-end speed but is a long strider and does tend to build it. While elusive he often gears down when trying to cut at full speed. Not real explosive Overall, Holliday has a ton of physical developing left to do which he will need as a big-catch possession receiver at the next level. Good under-the-radar receiver prospect."
The Verdict
I really like Holliday's potential. His speed and size are solid and he should fit in nicely with the group of receivers we have. He profiles a lot like Pac-10 alum Desean Jackson - tall, thin, speedy with surprising strength and a knack for finding a way to get open. Just a really solid WR prospect.