Nick Holshoe is a draft prospect from Concordia University Ann Arbor, a NAIA Division II school. Holshoe is a 6’0″ 198 pound strong safety who amassed over 380 tackles, 14 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and 42 pass breakups during his college career. Despite those impressive numbers, he has largely gone under the radar because of the level of competition he faced. Holshoe knows he is a long shot to be drafted, but all he’s looking for is an opportunity to show his future team and fan base that he is the real deal and a legit prospect. Here is my interview to get to know more about Nick Holshoe.
Getting to Know Concordia Strong Safety Nick Holshoe
What Division I school was your top choice coming out of high school?
I got a few letters, but nothing concrete. Northern Illinois University showed me the most interest though.
What has been the most difficult part of this process for you?
Probably has to be being underrated because I come from a small school. I went to the College Gridiron Showcase in Texas. I felt I was way better than most of those guys getting attention. The player they awarded MVP to only played like five snaps. I had more tackles in the game and played 80 snaps.
What aspect of your game has improved the most since you played in your last college football game?
My speed. I’ve been making better reads. Doing 7-on-7 as well as a lot of defensive back footwork drills. I was never the finesse player, more of a big hit type of guy.
Were you a vocal player or more of a lead by example type of guy?
Lead by example. I was a three-year captain. I was the hustle guy and harped on doing the right thing at the right time even when no one is looking.
What teams have been in contact with you?
I’ve talked to around eight teams during the process including the Raiders, Chiefs, and Jets. The 49ers talked to me after a workout. I was in contact with the Lions two weeks ago and have heard from the Jaguars.
If the NFL doesn’t work out would you be open to playing in the CFL?
I’m open to playing in the CFL if the right opportunity is available. My dream is to play in the NFL though. If everything falls into place, and I do end up in the CFL then that’s God’s plan.
When your football career comes to a close, what’s going to be next for you?
My Bachelors is in Exercise Science, so when my career is over I want to become a certified strength and conditioning coach and open up a gym with one of my buddies in Tampa, FL.
What will you look to prove when you’re in rookie minicamp?
Proving my play-making ability and speed to the ball. People wonder if I can keep up with D-I guys. I did in Texas. I want to show that I have really good football smarts and can follow the coach’s plan in the playbook.
If you could go back and talk to your freshman self, what advice would you give him?
I wouldn’t change too much. I never missed a practice or workout in four years. Maybe I’d implement a little more agility and speed drills into my training.
What’s been the most fun part of this entire experience for you?
Probably in Texas, everything really started to sink in. I was treated with the utmost respect and appreciated the love from that area. Talking to the 49ers scout, it really set in that I was being looked at like a real prospect.
Photo credit: Hudl.com
