TE Gabe Holmes Names Top 3

Earlier on the Bulls were the leader for TE Gabe Holmes, now he has them ranked third. Find out who's ahead of USF and why. Only on USFNation.com!

Gabe Holmes from St. Thomas Aquinas is wrapping up a summer filled with camps and combines including a trip to Friday Night Lights, Seminole Showtime and a camp at UM.

“I had a productive summer. I was trying to work on a lot of technique, things I can put to use during my senior year. I feel like I improved my route running the most.”

The 6-foot-5, 230 pound tight end has 12 total offers. He’s hasn’t received any new offers in several weeks, which has given him time to narrow down a top 3.

“My top three in order is Miami, Purdue and South Florida.”

When it comes down to making a final decision Holmes says academics will be a part of it, but mostly it will come down to how he’ll be used in the teams offense. Holmes plays WR and TE on his high school team and wants to play in an offense that allows him to split out wide at times to create mismatches.

Here is what he said about each school in his top 3:

Miami- A lot of tradition, especially at tight end. It’s also a real good school.

Purdue- They use their tight end as more of a flex position instead of a blocking tight end or always on the line of scrimmage.

South Florida- I talk with Coach Scott a lot and he tells me they want an athletic tight end like me to help spread the defense. That’s the type of roll I’m looking for.

Of all three teams Holmes says that Purdue is recruiting him the hardest right now.

“We talk every once in a while, but we email back and forth a couple times a week. I have a real good relationship with their staff.”

When it comes to official vists Holmes knows of two right now.

“I’m going to make one to Purdue when they play Oregon in the second week of the season. I’m also going to take one to South Florida. I probably won’t make Miami an official visit because of how close they are, but I will go to some of their games.”

A final decision could be a month or two away. Gabe says he’d like to have a decision sometime near the middle or end of his senior season.

“I’m looking at these schools, once I learn a little bit more about each and how they plan to use me, then I’ll be ready to announce a final decision.”

Holmes says he’s been in contact with Coach Scott about coming to a game or two on an unofficial visit, when that is set up USFNation will have another update with Gabe Holmes.