The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/447116
PREP PROFILES The name "Holyfield" conjures up certain images for sports fans. Heavyweight boxer Evander and his dominance of the sport — and yes, a bloodied ear bitten by Mike Tyson — naturally spring to mind. In the future, the name carried on by Holyfield's son, Elijah, may refer dominance on the gridiron, not in the boxing ring. The 5-10, 195-pound junior at Wood- ward Academy outside of Atlanta is one of the na- tion's top running backs, and has strong interest in Michigan. "It's a little bit crazy for Michigan right now," he admitted during U-M's tumultuous 2014 season. "I'm glad I'm a 2016 recruit so I'll have another year to watch. I like the school itself a lot. That's one of the reasons I'd wait and see what happens. At some schools if the coaching staff was to leave, I'd probably not be into that school any- more. Michigan is one of those schools that I like for the school itself. I like it up in Ann Arbor, I like the field, I like the town and everything about Michigan." Although the Brady Hoke tenure at Michigan ultimately didn't work out, the hire of Jim Harbaugh managed to keep Holyfield's interest in U-M high. The four-star plans to take a winter unofficial visit to meet with the new man in charge. "I'm excited, and I can't wait to hope- fully talk to him," Holyfield said. "I'm planning on visiting there again this offseason." The offseason follows a productive one on the field for the young tail- back, in which he rushed for 1,735 yards and 25 touchdowns on 264 carries (6.6 yards per carry), while adding 27 catches for 289 yards and three scores. His pro- duction and physi- cal potential — along with, of course, his athletic bloodlines — see him on the verge of the 2016 Rivals100. "He can not only be a powerful runner capable of toting the ball 30- plus times a game, but he can also be a weapon in the passing game," said Rivals.com Southeast analyst Woody Wommack. "With good speed, nice hands and good set of moves to go with his north-south power, the Ri- vals250 prospect looks like he could be a beast at the next level." If the Wolverines have their way, that college career may take place in Ann Arbor. The competition will be fierce, with Georgia, Ohio State, and Wiscon- sin among his other suitors. — Tim Sullivan Peach State Running Back With Famous Name Has U-M Interest ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Woodward Academy College Park, Ga. Class: 2016 Position: Running Back Ht.: 5-10 • Wt.: 195 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 16 player in Georgia, No. 5 running back nation- ally and No. 108 overall player in the country Elijah Holyfield