Holmes Is Ready To Get Started

He doesn’t need to be in South Bend until Sunday, but C.J. Holmes is packed up and on his way now.

“I’ll get there late (tonight),” the 2017 Notre Dame early enrollee told Irish Sports Daily.

The Connecticut athlete will be accompanied by his parents.

“We’ll be shopping and stuff like that on Friday and Saturday and then orientation and move-in and stuff starts on Sunday,” he said.

The 6-foot, 200-pounder from Cheshire Academy has been committed to the Irish since the summer and is looking forward to getting started.

“Oh definitely,” he said. “I think it’s just going to be jam-packed with a lot of new experiences, stuff I’ve been looking forward to my whole life, stuff you’ve dreamed of. I’m really just outgoing about it.

“I haven’t really had any negative thoughts. I’m not really nervous or scared or anything like that. I’m kind of coming in like a deer in the headlights because students have been there. They got the jump on the semester.”

But Holmes and his four fellow early enrollees tight end Brock Wright, offensive linemen Robert Hainsey and Aaron Banks and safety Isaiah Robertson know they’re getting a jump on everybody else in their class.

“Obviously, I think I’m definitely going to be able to showcase what I can do for the coaches early, before any of the freshmen would,” Holmes said.

“I think that’s going to set me up to be in a position to have an instant impact. As far as academics, obviously, I’m going to be able to get a jump. It’ll probably make my fall semester easier during the season if I can take care of my business this spring.”

Holmes had a chance to speak with new Notre Dame offensive coordinator Chip Long for the first time on Monday.

“I definitely liked what he was talking about,” Holmes said of Long. “I liked his enthusiasm and energy, so I’m excited to work with him.”

Holmes was recruited as a running back with the ability to play receiver and that remains the plan, according to what Long said on Monday.

“My versatility is definitely going to be the key,” said Holmes. “They’re trying to stay away from locking me into one position right now.”

Holmes knows where he lines up could depend on how the rest of this recruiting class shakes out, but likes what he heard from Long.

“He was just talking about getting me on the field and putting me into the position to make plays however that would be,” he said.

It was only an initial impression, but it was a positive impression for Holmes with regard to Long.

“I’ve only heard great reviews about him. I don’t know him very well to put an opinion out there nor would I want to put an ill-minded opinion out there in the first place. But based off the conversation we had, he’s on positive terms with me. Certain things he said just gave me some comfort.”