AJ Holloway

Introduction: AJ Holloway distinguished himself as a formidable presence in Georgia’s ultra-competitive 7A classification often going up against titans such as Milton or Grayson. The 6’3 225 linebacker comes in as a three-star talent and No. 86 at his position (247 sports). His junior season represented the biggest leap for Holloway, as his stats swelled up to 45 tackles, five for loss, and an interception across 14 games. His banner moment that season arrived in the 7A semifinal against Grayson, where he snagged an interception off a pressured quarterback and returned it 15 yards, setting up a touchdown in a 31-14 victory. His senior year in 2024 solidified his reputation, despite an earlier than expected 7A playoff exit to Archer. Across 10 games, he tallied 35 tackles, eight solo, one sack, one interception. The numbers aren’t as eye popping as some of the other kids in this class but remember he has been facing elite competition since he was 16 and was more than up to the challenge. His physicality truly took center stage his senior year as he delivered hit after hit. Clayton White has expressed keen admiration for Holloway’s multifaceted skill set, envisioning him as a dynamic “move-around” linebacker whose instincts and physicality align perfectly with the Gamecocks’ defensive style. Another multisport athlete, his experience as a wrestler in high school helped his game grow even more. A specimen on and off the field rumors are that he has impressed in short time on campus and that we should not rule out playing time in year 1 especially with a depleted LB corps.

Recruiting: AJ started receiving buzz his junior season with a unique blend of skills and athletic ability. His high school program is known for producing elite talent under head coach Bryant Appling. South Carolina entered the mix with an offer on October 16, 2023 one of the first Power 5 schools to stake a claim on the three-star prospect after an unofficial visit to Columbia on October 7 for the Gamecocks’ matchup against Florida. Holloway saw a lot of similarities between his current high school scheme and what Clayton White runs here. Holloway returned to Columbia for an unofficial visit during spring 2024. By then, his offer list had ballooned to include Auburn, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas A&M just to name a few. South Carolina’s early investment gave them an edge. The Gamecocks’ persistence paid dividends when Holloway scheduled his official visit in June. That June official visit to South Carolina was a in Beamer masterclass, a three-day immersion that Holloway later described as transformative “one of the best college visits I’ve ever been on,” per On3. They gave him a true behind the scenes look into the life of a Gamecock football player and he loved what he saw. The Gamecocks ended that visit in the drivers seat and didn’t have to hold there breath for to long as he committed on twitter later that same week. The clincher? “I just feel like South Carolina is the perfect fit for me and my family,”.

Strength and Skills: Holloway’s physique is anchored by a grounded stance that allows him to hold firm against blockers and burst through openings, a quality enhanced by the leverage and tenacity he developed through wrestling. Clayton White blueprint for Holloway is as a versatile fit for the linebacker corps, a true “move-around” player capable of thriving at MIKE, WILL, or SAM, mirroring Buford’s scheme where he roamed sideline-to-sideline. Holloway’s prowess in run defense stands as a cornerstone of his game with his ability to shed blocks with leverage and drive ball carriers backward. His versatility extends into pass coverage, an oft-underappreciated facet of his linebacker repertoire. Possessing smooth hip flexibility enabling him to shadow tight ends or running backs in man-to-man coverage and position himself effectively in zone schemes. Getting flashbacks to Demetrius Knight Jr. anyone? On3’s Steve Wiltfong, lauded his “high football IQ,” after being in attendance for one of his games. Also refuses to stay block with constant active hands fighting through contact. That same motor drove his Shrine Bowl selection for 2024 where his ability to “flow to the ball” impressed scouts all week long. Although he might benefit from sharpening his coverage reaction time, particularly in recognizing and adjusting to complex route combinations of the next level. Don’t be shocked if you hear his name called sooner rather than later.