Player Spotlight: JJ Holliday

Q & A with Tucson (AZ) Santa Rita wide receiver J.J. Holliday

Tucson (AZ) Santa Rita made an improbable turn-around last year. After going 0-10 two years ago, they went 11-2 and went deep in the 4A2 state playoffs. Their success was in large part due to the offensive production of wide receiver J.J. Holliday.

Scout.com got with J.J. for a quick Q & A to introduce himself.

Scout.com: What were your stats/honors from last season?

Holliday: "54 catches, 1251 yards, & 17 TDs. 1^st team – All-city, All-regional, & Southern AZ; & All-State Honorable mention, as receiver."

What is your official height and weight?

"6-0 and 165 lbs."

What is your greatest football memory?

"The two TDs I got off of interceptions during freshman year in one game (1^st – 50 yds, 2^nd – 70 yds) as cornerback."

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

"70 catches, 2000 yds, & 30 TDs."

How are you preparing for the upcoming season? Will you attend any camps this summer?

"Speed training, lifting, and I am going to combines and camps."

What aspect of your game have you really worked hard to improve? What area would you like to keep improving on?

"Speed work, my form, running form and I would like to keep doing track and getting stronger."

Who are some of your teammates that people need to watch out for?

"Davonttay Jones, Ian Garlets, Matt Sanchez, Greg Jones, and Jaquari Kountz."

Name one teammate you really respect and why?

"Davonttay because he locked up the receiver one-on-one."

What are your goals regarding playing football in college?

"To start my freshman year and not red-shirt; making an impact."

Who is currently recruiting you? Do you have any offers yet?

"Arizona, Colorado, Colorado State, UNLV, Yale, Darmouth, GA Tech. No, not yet."

Would you consider staying in state to play in college?

"Yes."

What would your top 5 college choices be?

"U of A, UNLV, UCLA, Texas and Colorado."

Who is the best player you ever played against? Why?

"Jamal Womble because he has size and speed."

Name one opponent who you really respect and why?

"Adam Hall because he never gives up."

What other sports do you play?

"Track (100m – 10.6 and 200m – 22.5)."

What are your best max lifts in the bench, squat, power clean and 40 yard dash?

"Bench - 245, Squat - 315, Power Clean - 235 and 40 yd dash - 4.4."

How do you think your coach would describe you as a player?

"Quiet, leads by example, and hard-worker."

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Strengths - Speed, quickness, and my hands. Weakness - weight

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

"Jerry Rice because of his attitude and he was a hard-worker."

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

"Never quit, work hard at everything you do and give your best effort at all times."

Tell us what can we expect from your team this season?

"State champions."

What can a college program expect from you as a player?

"A lot of energy, and my best effort."

What is your GPA and SAT/ACT score?

"GPA 3.75. SAT – not taken yet."

What will the main factors be when you choose a school?

"Weather, distance, and offense."