‘Proud’ Jordan Mailata finds Val Holmes’ best playing position
Their games are completely different but Jordan Mailata says Valentine Holmes is making real progress towards reaching his NFL dream.
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Their games are completely different but Jordan Mailata says Valentine Holmes is making real progress towards reaching his NFL dream.
Mailata, who lines up as offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, has spent time helping and guiding former Cronulla Sharks flyer Holmes, who has one month remaining at the IMG Academy in Florida.
The former South Sydney Rabbitoh was himself at the IMG Academy this time last year, impressing at the NFL Combine so that the Eagles picked him up in the seventh round.
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Holmes will enter a combine workout event - reportedly early next month - where he will train and perform before talent scouts from all 32 NFL franchises.
The former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos star will be hoping a team will sign him as a free agent or that he picks up a practice squad position as part of the International Player Pathway Program.
Holmes has ruled out a return to the NRL this season if his quest to play in the NFL does not materialise.
“It’s zero,” Holmes said when asked by AAP on the chances he will return to Australia to play in the NRL this year if his American dream does not pan out.
“I’m very happy with my decision that I’m over here.”
Holmes says he will learn next week how the NFL training regime, which focuses on short, explosive bursts of power, has impacted his speed when his coaches put him through sprint work.
“I think I am faster,” Holmes said.
“I don’t really know yet because I haven’t really opened up.
“I’m definitely stronger. I’m not surprised because the gym sessions have been pretty intense. I can feel it and see it in myself.”
Mailata thinks Holmes could develop into a wide receiver or running back.
“I was down there (in Florida) quite recently. I spent a full week with him,” Mailata told The Daily Telegraph.
“I’ll be honest, I am quite proud at how far he has developed.
“He is very smart in terms of the play book and he studies a lot. That’s a big credit to him – that’s going to help him a lot.
“Val is a natural athlete and would be able to slot into a wide receiver position, or running back. But it is different techniques and he will learn the positions.
“From what I’ve seen and from what I have experienced, and then seeing someone like Val in the same positive place I was a year ago, it’s crazy, but I am happy for him and how far he has progressed.”
Holmes quit the NRL last year to try and secure an NFL contract.
NFL insiders claim Holmes has a huge chance of being signed by an NFL franchise next month.
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