AJ Holmes rises on Texas Tech defensive line
Texas Tech defensive tackle AJ Holmes has moved from a rotational role into a central spot on the Red Raider defense. With Skyler Gill-Howard sidelined, Holmes has embraced the responsibility of bringing energy, leadership, and production to the line. Coming off a hard-fought battle with Arizona State, he shared his thoughts on filling that role, the lessons learned, and how the defense is preparing for Saturday’s matchup against Oklahoma State.
Larger role for Holmes
Before the season, defensive coordinator Shiel Wood highlighted the depth at defensive tackle, saying, “I have three starting defensive tackles.” When Skyler Gill-Howard went down, AJ Holmes stepped into the role.
“It’s bad luck when Skyler went down, but just to have his back and keep the same kind of direction is a blessing,” Holmes said.
Holmes began the year as part of the rotation, but the injury created more responsibility. “Most definitely, just because the energy Skyler brings every day — in practice, in games, and even off the field — I knew I had to raise my energy to help replace what we lost with him out.”
Holmes Leadership and Skyler’s impact
Gill-Howard has been a vocal leader on the defensive line. Holmes explained that he was already taking on part of that role.
“I was kind of already vocal, just helping with the calls and assignments. So not really just that aspect, but more of a team leader. Skyler works because he talked to the whole team before D-line.”
Asked what part of Gill-Howard’s game he’s tried to carry forward, Holmes pointed to his effort. “Mostly his effort and just the way he plays.”
When the news came out that Gill-Howard would miss a large part of the season, Holmes admitted it hit him hard. “I was definitely sad enough, because my brother, we went through the summer and spring together and built a great bond. Just not having him out there, I wasn’t happy about it, but we’re gonna hold him high and do what we’re supposed to do on the field to keep him proud of us.”
Even while sidelined, Gill-Howard has remained positive. “He’s been really good. Skyler’s a very effective man, and just a good person all around. He keeps his faith in God. Great things will come from this.”
Return trip to Houston
Holmes transferred from Houston before arriving at Texas Tech. Returning to face his former team earlier this season was special.
“It was very exciting. It was kind of crazy, because I really never experienced anything like that. I was pumped up. I had a lot of family members out there, seeing my old teammates. I was just very excited and blessed to be in that situation.”
On lining up across from old teammates, he added, “You have to make decisions that are best for your future. If it winds up being that way, then that’s what it is.”
Holmes on Arizona State loss
The Red Raiders fell to Arizona State in a close finish. Holmes explained what the defense took from that final drive.
“I just say communication, and just stuff like that, and just finishing hard and just trying hard, just being where you’re supposed to be, and just don’t be an assignment sound, and just playing with 100% because you never know what happens.”
Defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch reminded players to stay confident. “Keep our heads up. We know what we have in our room, and just to keep fighting in that game, we didn’t give up. So he liked that from us.”
Preparing for Oklahoma State
Looking forward, Holmes stressed the motivation going into Saturday’s game.
“Well, it gives us a lot of fire. We ready to get back out there and do what you supposed to do and dominate the next opponent, so we can get back early and get back on track.”
Conditioning has been part of his preparation. “Just doing extra running after practicing stuff. So just being in game, the drilling is going to help me out. Of course, we still rotate, but I was already getting a good amount of stats, but just being a starter.”
Holmes credited Coach Wood for continuing to push the defense. “When he has his speeches and he just gets after it, sometimes like either before a game or before practice, he’ll just tell us, and it’s basically just all about effort, because you have so much talent.”
Final thoughts
For AJ Holmes, stepping into a bigger role is about more than filling a gap. It’s about honoring a teammate, trusting his coaches, and continuing to grow as a leader. With Oklahoma State ahead, Holmes and the Texas Tech defense will look to turn frustration from Arizona State into fuel for Saturday.
