Two-way lineman Johnerio Holt uses his 'powerful voice' to lead Athens Academy football - ABH

9/8/2021

Johnerio “JJ” Holt’s English teacher, Gabriel Lovatt, Ph.D, told him something ahead of Athens Academy’s football game Friday night against Augusta Christian that stuck with him all the way through the Spartans’ victory.

“(She) told me that I have a very powerful voice and that people listen to it,” Holt said after the game. “She said that I was influencing seniors last year to go to class, get their work done and stuff like that. She told me to not let my voice go quiet, keep it flowing.”

This wasn’t the first time the senior lineman has been told this. Knowing his words have power is something he's lived with for much of his life.

Holt is a guy who thinks before he speaks, as to make sure each of his words have meaning.

“It’s always been important to me for people to hear my words,” Holt said. “I’ve always been the bigger person. I’ve always felt like I’ve had a voice. With my voice, I don’t want to just sit back and not let it be heard.”

He uses his voice in classes, helping his classmates get the most out of his teachers’ lessons. He uses his voice in the weight room, teaching younger players the proper way to lift and improve their bodies. He uses his voice on the field, calling out assignments for the rest of both the offensive and defensive lines.

Holt’s way with words is one his coach’s favorite things about coaching him.

“He’s fun to coach because of the type of player he is,” head coach Josh Alexander said. “Obviously he’s super talented and he’s just fun to be around. The most impressive thing about him is when he speaks. He’s sharp in all aspects of his life.”

As a kid, Holt watched film of his father, Johnerio Holt Sr., playing football. Early on he saw the impact football had on his father’s life and the Athens community.

“(Football is) influential,” Holt said. “I’m looking at (the tapes) like, man he really did something in the Athens community. I’m growing up following his lead. It’s amazing.”

Three games into his senior year with the Spartans, Holt has lived up to the billing of the leadership role his coach envisioned for him. Holt flies to the ball for sacks and hurry-ups. On offense, he paves the way for runners to pick up yardage and gives time for quarterback Sam Bush to throw.

He doesn’t see the bench much, but when he does he’s resting and teaching up the younger players who look up to him.

“My head coach always says in practice to replace yourself,” Holt said. “I personally sit down and think about replacing myself as leaving something better to the community. Everybody makes mistakes. You might miss a tackle or you might not do well on an assignment in class, but the way I see it is as long as you’re building great men and great women that are going out into this world sooner or later, you’re doing something right.”

Holt’s stats, 6-foot-3, 275-pound size and personality has the senior getting looked at from schools across the country.

Air Force, Akron, Army, East Carolina, Furman, Kent State, Liberty and Navy have all offered Holt. All offers except ECU’s have come since February of this year.

“It’s always been a dream (to play college football) and soon it will be a dream come true,” Holt said. “I’m just weighing my options right now. Hopefully sooner or later, I’ll pick a school that I'll commit to and call my next home.”

Holt says the Spartans are capable of winning it all this year, and he wants to do what he can to contribute to their success, starting with himself.

“I want to see myself progress: working on my technique, improving my grades, helping the younger players,” Holt said. “I also want to see our team progress. Our coaches are working everyday to try and help us be our best selves.”

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