Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 4, 1994 TAG: 9406040025
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Holmes could not be reached for comment; however, he had not participated in spring practice, and Welsh expressed concern at the time that Holmes would not be eligible academically.
Holmes missed the entire 1992 season while on academic suspension. He returned to catch 29 passes for 461 yards and four touchdowns this past season. He added five receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown in UVa's 31-13 loss to Boston College in the Carquest Bowl.
Welsh said he had expected Holmes to complete his eligibility when he reinstated him last summer.
"He was dedicated to football and had a great summer workout," Welsh said Friday. "We believed him when he said he wanted to graduate.
"I don't know whether he was unhappy about his playing time or whether he was just didn't like school. He was 19 when we got him."
Holmes, who turned 23 last week, started only two games in his college career - at cornerback. He moved to wide receiver in the third game of the 1991 season and finished with 27 receptions, eight for touchdowns.
"I think you'd have to view his career as incomplete," UVa offensive coordinator Tom O'Brien. "He had flashes of brilliance, but he never fulfilled his potential on a consistent basis.
"I think we gave him every opportunity. It's a sad story on his part. He said he had learned his lesson. He said he would graduate."
Welsh said he has heard Holmes, also a kick returner, is talking to Calgary of the Canadian Football League. O'Brien said he has heard Holmes has been contacted by the CFL's Baltimore Colts.
"Who knows? Maybe it will work out," O'Brien said. "That league is made for him."
by CNB