5-Star CB Darnay Holmes Discusses Recruitment, New Off-Field Interest

Every elite college football target needs a diversion from the recruiting process. For Calabasas, California, 5-star cornerback Darnay Holmes, his diversion happens to be edible.

To help keep his mind off the distractions of recruiting when he's not honing his craft on the field for the Calabasas High School football team, Holmes has gotten involved with pastry decorating. He's been frequenting a local decorating location with his girlfriend, her mother and her aunt to assist with them learning the ins and outs of the business.

Credit: Darnay Holmes

"I've been tagging along with them. They're going to have their own business, and it's fun to see the process," Holmes said. "I don't really bake. I just decorate cookies, write stuff on them and eat them."

And like with football, Holmes takes pastry decorating seriously. If it isn't done correctly, it's repeated. That's because the nation's top-ranked cornerback is focused on being the best—no matter the task.

His perseverance is one of the many characteristics that make him such a wanted athlete for college football programs. With nearly 30 reported offers, Holmes, a U.S. Army All-American, told Bleacher Report that he is setting up an official visit schedule expected to kick off next month.

The first trip, he said, is still to be determined. UCLA, USC, Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, Nebraska, Alabama and several others are among the schools in play.

"I'm planning on taking all five visits—and maybe take a couple more," Holmes said. "I have guys like Bookie [2018 4-star cornerback Brendan Radley-Hiles] and T.J. [2018 4-star running back T.J. Pledger] who want to take [unofficial] visits, and I like tagging along with them."

Official visit final destinations are still in the air, but Holmes said there are two schools that he definitely will book. Knowing those schools are bitter rivals only makes his recruitment more intriguing.

"Michigan and Ohio State, for sure," he said. "I like the vibes there, and they're both about family atmospheres. They don't have to brag about what they're doing. Their resumes show that they're doing big things."

Holmes added that the two schools closest to home—UCLA and USC—are just as intriguing. Proximity, he said, will not play a significant role in his ultimate decision, but having multiple player relationships on both teams will be big, as he will listen to testimonials from the athletes currently on campus. He said he has good relationships with USC's Adoree' Jackson and UCLA's Jaleel Wadood.

Nebraska also is a school to keep an eye on. The Cornhuskers are looking to build a pipeline, as they've already added the Calabasas 4-star duo of quarterback Tristan Gebbia and wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. 

Adding Holmes would give Nebraska a dynamic trio of offensive athletes who will enter college with a ton of talent and chemistry.

Whichever school lands Holmes will get someone who plays the game as if he's not a 5-star player. He's always looking to improve in every facet of the game. In addition to lining up at cornerback, Holmes is equally effective as a wide receiver.

As a next-level athlete, Holmes is anticipated to play in the secondary, and his quickness, recovery speed, instincts and ability to be a lockdown defender are among the traits that make him a playmaker.

"I wouldn't say it's all been hectic. It's probably been more complicated," he said. "The schools who want me are really hitting me up. With me, I'm just focusing on my team right now. We're trying to win this [state] championship."

Credit: Scout.com

There are titles to win, and there are also cookies to decorate for Holmes. He said he'll continue decorating, as it serves as a good way to not only spend time with his girlfriend and her family but also remind him that there are other things outside of football.

But when it's time to choose a winning school, look for Holmes to find a place that will satisfy his personal checklist.

"I'm looking for how the coaches and players are when adversity hits. I'm also looking at academics," he said. "I know that wherever I go, it's for 40 years, not just four years.

"I'm asking a few questions: Can I adapt to the environment? Will the coaches be able to use my talents and make me into more than I can be? I want to be somewhere where I know I can work to be the best."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of Scout.com. Follow Damon via Twitter @DamonSayles.