Before spring practice starts, RockyTopInsider.com will take a look at 16 uncommitted prospects to watch in the 2016 recruiting cycle. Click here for the full 2016 commitment list.
Elijah Holyfield
Running back – 2016 Class
5-11, 206 pounds
College Park, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Other top offers
Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon
Status
Holyfield is one of the most coveted prospects in the nation and it’s not just because of his famous father – boxing legend Evander Holyfield. The younger Holyfield can pack a punch as well, except it’s more delivering a blow to defenders as he runs down the field with the football. Tennessee is clearly in the running for him, but his offer list reads like a list of the elite programs in college football. Getting him on campus earlier this spring certainly helped the Vols’ chances.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★★
Rivals.com: ★★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★
RTI average: 4-stars
How He Fits
If you’ve been following our 16 for 2016 series, you might have noticed the heavy emphasis on running back. That’s no coincidence. The Vols are looking to find at least a couple stud backs that can add depth immediately and then take over when Jalen Hurd and/or Alvin Kamara move on in the next couple of years.
Holyfield would certainly help fulfill those goals. He’s a touch smaller than the other two backs we’ve featured (Matt Falcon and B.J. Emmons), but he’s still physical enough to run through tackle and has some of the best speed in the 2016 class. He’s a complete back who can catch passes out of the backfield, help in the return game and do about anything else the coaches need.
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