Culpeper LB Joseph Holland (Photo: Savanah Charlton)
Joseph Holland Verbally Commits to UVA
by Marc Goldstein, recruitNoVA
Culpeper County High School’s senior outside linebacker, Joseph Holland (2021 OLB 6-4 190) had been racking up some Division I offers to be a walk-on in the past few days. Joseph first received an offer from Dartmouth to walk on for the Mean Green, but after announcing an offer to walk on to the University of Virginia’s football team a day later, Joseph quickly made up his mind. He had a whirlwind weekend, and one that saw his recruitment pick up so much that he didn’t even get time to complete his school assignments, he says.
Joseph was not always a football player. Initially, he was a soccer player who never touched the gridiron until 8th grade. He made his journey as a high schooler, starting on JV as a freshman, and playing varsity since that first year. Joseph is a versatile player who is very capable of playing multiple positions. He is listed as an outside linebacker primarily, but also handles punting duties, and serves as a wide receiver at times as well.
100% committed to the University of Virginia!! ??Big thanks to my parents/coaches/supporters! Grateful to@UVAFootball @CoachBWolfe for the opportunity! @UVACoachBronco @Coach_Popp @culpeper_fb @CoachPickettCC @CoachJFord13 @CoachP_eterson#GoHoos #THEStandard pic.twitter.com/fBbrylapQR
— Joseph Holland (@jhollandiii) October 26, 2020
Joseph thinks that this achievement for him speaks highly of not just himself, but all the people around him. “I think the opportunity I have speaks to my work ethic, for sure, but I couldn’t have done this without my supportive parents, coaches, and my school’s recruiting coordinator, Coach Austin Pickett,” he explains. He uses the desire to be proficient at everything he does to motivate him to go above and beyond. That, he says, applies to football and everyday life.
Additionally, he is a highly intelligent player. He knows his playbook by heart and is one of the most dedicated players to ever play for Culpeper County. He wants to get his team to new, unimaginable heights, and he wants to impact the game in as many ways as possible, which is where his versatility comes into play once again. He demonstrates his intelligence on and off the football field. His 4.0 GPA speaks for itself and proves to recruiters, coaches, and teammates alike that he is not just an athlete, but he is a student-athlete.
The University of Virginia has long been seen as the little brother to Virginia Tech in football. While UVA has not completely flipped the narrative, they have made strides to close the gap, and even up the matchup. Just last season, the Cavaliers made it all the way to the ACC Championship Game, losing to the eventual national semifinalist, Clemson Tigers. As this season has begun, the Cavaliers have been unable to regain their form from past seasons, sitting at 1-4 currently, but that can change on a dime in a conference like the ACC, with incredible athletes littered on the roster. Joseph has also had his sights set on playing in Charlottesville, saying, “UVA has always been a dream school for me, given its academics and convenience to home.”
When Joseph considered UVA as opposed to the other schools that gave him interest, he prioritized the first-class facilities that the Cavaliers boast. They have state-of-the-art nutrition and strength programs that can help transform any player. Joseph thinks that the biggest adjustment for him will be the fact that the competition is as stiff as it is anywhere. The ACC is home to some of the best college football in the country, barring maybe the SEC, Big 10, or Big 12, and presents a big challenge to any player. He says of the competition and what he needs to do to make sure he is ready for the challenge, “I’m continuing to prepare myself physically for the speed and size increase of college football.”
Joseph has committed to walking on at UVA, no easy task for anyone. He understands the challenging route ahead for him, but there are quite a few players that currently envy his position. The road ahead has a lot of unknowns, but he knows that with determination and hard work, he can achieve his goals. Simply put, “I’m just excited to be apart of the program and to grow as a man and player these next four years,” Joseph details.
– Marc Goldstein
