DeVonte Holloman: 5 Things You Need to Know About the South Carolina OLB

The South Carolina Gamecocks' offense usually gets the publicity, but DeVonte Holloman and other defensive players proved this past season that the Gamecocks' defense is legit.

Holloman projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL, even though he spent the majority of his career as a safety for South Carolina. The switch could actually work in Holloman's favor due to his better coverage skills over other linebackers.

Let's take a look at five things you need to know about the former South Carolina outside linebacker.

Background

Full Name: DeVonte Holloman

Birthday: February 12, 1991

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

High School:  Independence High School/Rock Hill (SC) South Pointe

Major: Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

Year: Senior

Holloman started his career at Independence High School in North Carolina where he won a state title with current New York Giants' wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. He spent his senior season at Rock Hill (SC) South Pointe where he won another state title with cornerback Stephon Gilmore of the Buffalo Bills and current South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Rivals.com had Holloman as the No. 10 outside linebacker coming out of high school and a 4-star recruit.

Statistics

DeVonte Holloman was a contributor on defense in all four of his seasons at South Carolina. His first three seasons he played safety, while his senior season saw him switch to more of a hybrid linebacker/safety role.

Holloman improved in each of his four seasons, and easily had his most productive overall season his final year.

Year	Solo Tackles	Total Tackles	Tackles for Loss	Sacks	Interceptions	Forced Fumbles
2009	19	30	1.0	0	1	0
2010	53	69	2.0	0	2	1
2011	33	51	4.0	0	1	0
2012	37	57	8.0	2.0	3	2

All statistics courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 243 lbs.

Arm Length: 32.5"

Hand Size: 10"

Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.76 seconds

Bench press: 15 reps

Vertical jump: 33"

Broad jump: 113"

3 cone drill: 7.30 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.26 seconds (top performer)

DeVonte Holloman has never been known for his physicality, but he showed off his athleticism for NFL teams. He did a great job in position drills and was one of the more fluid linebackers with his short-area quickness.

All combine results courtesy of NFL.com.

Interesting Facts

DeVonte Holloman was regarded as one of the top high school players back in 2008. We've already discussed how Rivals.com had him ranked as a 4-star recruit, but that is only the beginning of the high marks for Holloman.

South Carolina's athletic page has a biography on Holloman and his career for the Gamecocks. On top of his Rivals.com ranking, Holloman also ranked as the sixth-best outside linebacker according to Scout.com.

According to his biography, SuperPrep.com had him as the best overall prospect in his state and ESPN had him as the No. 19 overall prospect.

Observations

In terms of coverage skills, DeVonte Holloman has some of the best in this year's linebacker class. In fact, Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller feels that Holloman's coverage skills may be the single best:

"

Khaseem Greene, Rutgers. Or DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina. RT @eplayan_oficial: best cover LB in this year class?

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 12, 2013"

Josh Norris, a lead NFL draft writer for Rotoworld.com, feels that Holloman is one of the better prospects available in this year's draft, regardless of position:

"

Have him at No. 65: bit.ly/11eeQDs RT @hankjoness: how high/or low, are you on DeVonte Holloman?

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 17, 2013"