Notebook: He's one humble Duck
Hey, Jordan Holmes, you were just named to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, meaning you have been recognized as being one of the best college football centers in the country. That has to pump you up, right?
"Kinda sorta, it's a cool thing to be recognized for," the former Yuba City High star said on Friday.
What? You had to feel a little honored that your name appeared on that watch list. Especially considering that when you arrived at the University of Oregon, you had little experience at center and you had to replace Max Unger, a uber-stud now wearing a Seahawks jersey.
"I was excited, it's a real prestigious award to be considered for..."
But...
"Awards are nice but I'm going to try to have wins on the board rather than trophies on the shelf."
Those responses, in a nutshell, are vintage Holmes.
From his Sports Illustrated cover to starting in the Rose Bowl to his name being among the 37 listed for the Rimington, Holmes has more important matters to focus on, namely leading his teammates and winning.
Last year he experienced the grandeur of a BCS bowl, and he wants it again. There's no time to worry about personal glory, he said.
"It makes you hungry for more," he said. "It's win it all or bust."
To do so will take some work. In a tumultuous off-season for Ducks fans, Oregon lost star quarterback Jeremiah Massoli for a season after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary.
That and a string of other incidents led to the excoriating eye of the national media fixating its sights on Eugene, Ore. The wake of which turned the "I smell roses" feel-good story of the Ducks completely upside down.
Lost in that mess were the quality team representatives like Holmes, a quintessential coach's dream. He's the type of player who can earn a team-high 55 pancake blocks on the field, make the All-Academic Pac-10 team and spend his spring break in Yuba City teaching kids wrestling.
Talk about an obvious choice when he was named a team captain. And as such, his senior year will be spent trying to lead the Ducks to the top of the Pac-10, regardless of any stigmas lingering from the spring.
The best way to do that? Simply play football.
"That's been the mindset since spring ball started," he said.
And though he selflessly won't celebrate this honor, Holmes does know how to have some fun. He's in town this weekend with a few of his teammates to do a little shooting and see the Tim McGraw concert.
Still a Yuba-Sutter boy through and through.
