Nov. 12, 2008

By Tyler Koonce, Sports Information Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Rarely does a running back start all four years of his college career. Timmy Holloman has done just that for Southeast Missouri State. During that time, he has displayed game-changing abilities and has also solidified a spot in the Southeast record books.

"It's been a blessing [to start all four years]," Holloman said. "It's unreal, I came in wanting to play, but at first I was just hoping."

Holloman, originally from Orlando, Fla., was recruited by bigger schools out of high school, but decided Southeast was the place the made him feel most at home when deciding where to play his college football.

"I verbally committed to South Carolina until [head coach] Lou Holtz left and then I ended up here," Holloman said. "I just felt comfortable with the players and the environment."

As a true freshman in 2005, Holloman was expected to redshirt behind some older running backs. But on the second play of the season against Southern Illinois, starter Austen Collins suffered a season-ending knee injury.

The Redhawks coaches pulled his redshirt and immediately inserted him into the game. He made an instant impact, gaining 20 yards on the first carry of his college career. From that point, he never looked back, going on to rush for 688 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman. He also caught 30 passes for 226 yards and two additional scores out of the backfield in 2005.

He finished with over 650 yards rushing as a sophomore and junior and has scored 27 touchdowns in a Redhawks uniform. He ranks fourth on the school's all-time rushing list with 2,307 yards heading into Saturday's contest against No. 20 Tennessee-Martin.

Holloman said that the personal achievements are nice, but his desire to win comes first and foremost.

"All the personal goals and being the fourth-leading rusher, that's all good," Holloman said. "I'd rather win than get that record."

During his career, he has rushed for over 100 yards nine times and has eclipsed the 200-yard mark twice. He was named a preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selection prior to the season and has previously been named OVC Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Week.

In the future, Holloman expressed a desire to continue his playing career in addition to completing his degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Recreation.

"Hopefully I can go to the next level," Holloman said. "I also want to get my degree."

Following four standout seasons, Timmy Holloman has made his mark on the Southeast football program. He has set the bar at the running back position and will leave a legacy as one of the most prolific runners in Redhawks history.