Spring Westfield's AJ Holmes named SBLive's Texas High School Football Defensive Player of the Year
No defensive player in Texas high school football made a greater impact up front during the 2021 season than Spring Westfield’s AJ Holmes.
Holmes asserted himself as the state’s most disruptive interior defensive lineman, earning a reputation as a dominant run stopper and relentless pass rusher.
He led the Mustangs to an unbeaten regular-season finish and District 14-6A title, as well as a regional semifinal appearance in the Class 6A Division I playoffs to earn SBLive's 2021 Texas High School Football Defensive Player of the Year award.
“It’s about our preparation through the week. Our hard work through the week, paying attention to detail, playing 110%, straight flying to the ball, hitting hard and playing Westfield defense,” Holmes said. “Once we get those big O-linemen on their heels, it’s over from there.”
- SBLIVE’S ALL-REGION TEAMS:
- CENTRAL TEXAS | EAST TEXAS | NORTH TEXAS | SOUTH TEXAS | WEST TEXAS
Holmes was such a destructive force at defensive tackle that he was unanimously voted District 14-6A’s MVP, a rarity for an interior lineman at the highest levels of Texas high school football.
He led his team in tackles (94) and all 6A defenders statewide in sacks (21) as the anchor of Westfield's defense, which allowed 11.8 points per game throughout the season.
Holmes also wrapped up his senior year with 48 TFLs, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one defensive touchdown, one blocked field goal and one blocked punt en route to a 12-1 finish to the 2021 campaign.
Holmes, who had previously committed to Virginia, signed to play football collegiately for the Houston Cougars after reopening his commitment after the end of the 2021 season.
MORE AWARDS:
Westlake’s Klubnik, Dodge named SBLive’s Texas Football Player and Coach of the Year
Lambert named SBLive’s Texas Football Offensive Player of the Year
Holmes named SBLive’s Texas Football Defensive Player of the Year
