Holmes competes at CGS Small School Showcase

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Simpson safety Brendan Holmes participated in the College Gridiron Showcase Small School Showcase on Jan. 3-5 in Fort Worth, Texas at McNair Stadium to represent Storm football.

Holmes had the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of NFL, CFL and other professional league scouts during the three-day event. The first day started out slow for the Atlantic, Iowa native as it served as a day of check-ins and a chance for scouts to retrieve height and weight measurements on the players.

"The opportunity was a once in a lifetime," said Holmes. "Being able to showcase my skills in front of NFL, CFL and AFL scouts was truly a blessing and to be able to do it representing Simpson was even better."

On the second day, the senior and other players were able to listen to Rodney Newhouse speak on finances, before Instant Scouting spoke on their services. After the seminars, the fun began when the players were able to hit the gridiron in full pads. Holmes and the rest of the group competed in individual work in front of the scouts and then finished the day with a 7-on-7 drill.

Sunday was a chance for Holmes to display his skills that he accrued while in a Storm uniform during a live scrimmage. At the completion of the scrimmage, the three-time all-region performer was able to speak to the scouts in attendance.

"I believe this showcase gave me a good jump in getting my name on the reports of those professional scouts and gave me the chance to network with them and talk about my game. Now it's time to get back to training to get ready for what lies ahead," Holmes said.

Holmes graduated with 369 career tackles at Simpson for most in program history. He was named to the all-conference team on three occasions and ends with 15 interceptions for third most in team history.