New FSU defensive end commit DD Holmes goes in-depth about choosing Seminoles

Saturday was an exciting day for four-star defensive end DD Holmes, as he announced he has committed to Florida State over several other schools.

Holmes, a Washington, D.C., product, chose the Seminoles over Maryland, South Carolina, Rutgers and others. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound edge rusher is listed as the No. 135 player in the 2024 On300.

Later Saturday evening, Holmes went in-depth with Warchant.com about his wild day, how he made his decision, when he told the Florida State coaching staff and more.

“Man, it was very exciting to share the moment with everyone and all the people in the FSU community,” Holmes said of his announcement on Instagram Live. “I told them (FSU’s coaches) yesterday. They were pumped up. They were really excited about me being there and them being able to coach me.”

While he had several strong programs pursuing him, the four-star defensive end said there was something special about FSU head coach Mike Norvell and defensive ends coach John Papuchis.

“I loved their hands-on approach and their attentiveness to the process,” Holmes said. “They were very interactive with me from the first day I got the offer to when I made my decision. I feel that consistency will continue. We talked about a combination of everything.”

One of the big factors in Holmes’ recruitment was his official visit to Florida State last weekend. Along with spending time with player-host Jared Verse, the talented pass-rusher said he loved learning about how the Seminoles have developed defensive ends in recent years.

In 2021, Jermaine Johnson went from a role player at Georgia to ACC Defensive Player of the Year with the Seminoles. Then last year, Verse earned first-team All-ACC honors in his first season on the FBS level. And redshirt freshman Patrick Payton was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“It was very big in my decision,” Holmes said. “To see the proof, the work they have put in and how it has turned out.”

Explaining that it’s a huge relief to have his commitment out of the way before his senior season of high school, Holmes said he has already started chatting with other FSU commits in their group text.

“They were all very pumped up for me to be a part of it,” Holmes said.

So when did the Washington, D.C., standout know he was going to become a Seminole?

“I had a great official visit, so I was very excited coming out of it,” Holmes said. “But I took a few days to think about the decision, and that feeling stuck for days. So I know this was right. I also factored in that I feel they are on the uprise as a program, and to be a part of that is special.”

While Holmes isn’t the biggest talker, he said he is looking forward to helping FSU’s coaches recruit other top targets.

“Now that I’m committed, that will be something I will definitely start doing — encourage guys to join FSU,” he said. “I would tell them that the people at FSU will love you as a person more than they love you as a football player.”

Next up for Holmes is figuring out which Florida State home games he will attend this fall.

“I’m not sure when, but I need to come back to Tallahassee,” he said. “I just want to enjoy the experience of being a commit and enjoying the FSU coaching staff, players and other recruits even more.”

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