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CARDINALS

Studying fueled Holliman's rise

Jeff Greer
@jeffgreer_cj
Sep 20, 2014; Miami, FL, USA;  Louisville Cardinals safety Gerod Holliman (8) intercepts a pass in the second quarter of a game against the FIU Golden Panthers in the second quarter at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Sometime between April and August, Gerod Holliman got "it."

That's the way University of Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham describes his star safety's eight-month transformation from backup defensive back to All-American to early NFL draft entry.

"He did the best job of anyone taking the things we told him to heart," Grantham said.

"He became a really good player for us. You really saw the improvement when we got to August. He really prepares. He studies. That preparation has allowed him to tie an NCAA record and make a lot of plays."

Related:Holliman to enter 2015 NFL draft

The news Sunday night that Holliman planned to enter for the 2015 NFL draft didn't surprise many, though U of L still would not confirm the report on Monday.

As Grantham said, Holliman's 14 interceptions this season tied a 46-year-old NCAA record and helped him earn four All-American team honors and the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive back.

"I do think it was the right choice for Holliman," said Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller, who broke the news of Holliman's decision on Sunday.

"There is no way he could ever duplicate his 2014 season, and too many people would expect him to at least match it. How can you improve on 14 interceptions?"

Himmelsbach:Holliman's decision not surprising

Few could have guessed this outcome for Holliman's season when spring practice began in March. Not because Holliman isn't talented – he was a U.S. Army All-American and a four-star prospect in high school – but more because the coaching staff didn't believe he or his fellow safeties were quite ready to replace departing stars Hakeem Smith and Calvin Pryor.

U of L coach Bobby Petrino repeatedly said all winter, spring and summer that the Cardinals needed help at safety.

They signed junior-college transfer James Sample and converted cornerbacks Jermaine Reve and Terell Floyd to safety. They added University of Georgia transfer Josh Harvey-Clemons and sought the commitment of Khane Pass, a three-star Class of 2015 safety from Columbus, Ga.

And while Floyd, Reve and Sample each had solid seasons – and Reve's return from injury allowed Floyd to return to cornerback – Holliman had the most eye-catching stat line among the safeties.

Each time an opponent's pass was intercepted, the initial confusion as to which Louisville player had intercepted the ball quickly turned to, "Holliman again?"

He finished with more regular-season interceptions than 113 FBS teams.

But there's always nitpicking with the NFL draft process – or any pro sports draft – and Holliman has his fair share of skeptics.

The biggest criticism is that Holliman, a redshirt sophomore, has trouble making tackles. He finished the regular season with 37.

"He needs to go back to school," one scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel earlier this season.

"He's horrible. He can't make a tackle to save his life. He's got pretty good instincts but he's not that athletic."

Bleacher Report's Miller, who thinks Holliman could be a first-round pick, countered that the NFL draft combine and U of L's pro day, plus individual team workouts, will offer up chances for Holliman to answer questions about his athleticism.

"He looks the part, has shown very good instincts and ball skills," Miller said, "and has the fluid movement needed to be a centerfielder in the NFL."

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).

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