Holmes joins Hawkeye family

For Gavin Holmes, Iowa means family. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound wide receiver has grown up in Texas, but was born in the Hawkeye State and still has grandparents and lots of relatives in Iowa. Now, Holmes will be joining them next year as the three-star prospect verbally committed to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes today.

“I chose Iowa because it just felt right,” Holmes told HawkeyeReport.com. “I loved everything about it from the top notch facilities to the coaching staff. I just got that feeling that it was meant to be.”

Part of that was the family connection to the state as Holmes’ grandparents live in Newton, IA. Long time Hawkeye fans, they will now get to watch their grandson play at Kinnick Stadium the next four years.

“It means a lot,” Holmes said of the family connection. “It’s great to see my family so happy and proud. Having family ties helped this whole process a lot.”

This past weekend, Holmes drove up to Iowa City with his parents and siblings to visit the Hawkeye Tailgater. There, he had a chance to bond with the other recruits in attendance and talk with the Iowa coaches about how he fits into their plans.

“My plan is to come in and contribute right away,” said Holmes. “I’m super excited about my future there.”

Overall, Holmes is commitment No. 13 for the Hawkeyes in the Class of 2017. From the state of Texas, he joins running back Eno Benjamin and quarterback Peyton Mansell with another top target, cornerback Matt Hankins, announcing later today. Also, cornerback Kobe Boyce visited Iowa City with that group this past weekend and the Hawkeyes are after wide receiver Camron Buckley as well as they are trying for a big haul in Texas this year.

“That’s the cherry on top,” said Holmes. “I’m super excited to be a part of this with my boys from back home. We are building a special class at Iowa.”

In committing to Iowa, Holmes chose the Hawkeyes over scholarship offers from Duke, Wisconsin, Utah, BYU, Kansas, Syracuse, Boise State, San Diego State, Tulane, Wyoming, Colorado State, and Fresno State, among others.

Holmes, who ran a 4.43 forty at The Opening regional in Dallas this spring, finished with 61 catches for 828 yards and 8 touchdowns at Justin Northwest this past year.

See highlights from Holmes' junior season in the video below.