Boise State running back George Holani is among the most underrated running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. Holani departs the program with the fifth-most rushing yards (3,596) in history. Holani then went to the NFL Combine and ranked third among all participating backs in the vertical (39 inches) and broad (10-foot-7) jumps.
Holani recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about playing in multiple offensive schemes, his favorite play to execute in the playbook, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: You leave Boise State with 3,596 career rushing yards, ranking fifth in program history. You're one of the most prolific players in program history. What comes to mind when I read those accolades?
George Holani: All of those accolades are pretty cool to hear. I did great things at Boise State. I’m very thankful. I’m even more excited for what’s to come at the next level.
JM: You have a great nose for the end zone, having scored 26 career touchdowns. How did you develop such efficiency for scoring TDs?
George Holani: I’ve always been an extremely coachable player. I trust my instincts and I always trusted my offensive linemen as well. We did a great job getting after defenses. For me personally, I’ve always been a playmaker. Making big plays comes naturally to me.
JM: You guys were multiple on offense. You ran a bunch of stuff. Is George Holani a zone-based back, or more of a gap/power guy?
George Holani: I played for five different offensive coordinators. I’ve run a little bit of everything. We ran a lot of mid-zone and gap scheme stuff. Honestly, I’ve always loved zone-based looks.
JM: Sticking with this topic, what was your favorite play to run in the playbook this past season?
George Holani: I had two favorite plays. I’d say mid-zone and duo. Those were my two favorite run plays. Mid-zone requires patience. You have to press your endpoint and stretch the defense. You have to read defenses and create overflows by finding those vertical seams. That’s why I love mid-zone. It’s in between outside zone and inside zone. The play could wind up anywhere.
Duo is a downhill play. You have to get a hat on a hat. We have to read the play-side linebacker and react off that.
JM: I love that explanation. When I turn the tape on, I see a physical back with terrific patience and vision. How did you develop those aspects of your game?
George Holani: I have a lot of experience. I feel like a veteran player in this draft class. I always went out there and had a great feel for the game. I’ve continued to perfect my craft every single day throughout this pre-draft process.
Being a consistent performer starts at practice. I’ve built good habits that transition from practice to the game. I get my mind and body right first and foremost. It’s a whole process that has to involve your trainers and coaches. I’m trusted to execute my assignments. I take that seriously.
JM: You take your craft seriously. I thought you put forth a solid performance at the NFL Combine. You had an outstanding 39-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad. You ran a great 4.52 40 and displayed terrific play strength through 24 bench reps. Were you satisfied with your showing?
George Holani: I was definitely satisfied. I finished in the top three of the vertical and broad jump. I showcased what I’m capable of out there. I also ran a good time in the 40-yard dash. I showed scouts that I’m not a slow running back. I’m not a 4.6, 4.7 guy. I can really run.
JM: You did just that. Have you met with any teams throughout this process, whether in person or virtually?
George Holani: I have. I met with the Cardinals and Chiefs. Those were two teams that met me on Zoom. I was at the Chargers’ local day. I took an official-30 visit to Seattle as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is George Holani going to make at the next level?
George Holani: I’m a game changer on that field. I make plays, period. Every time my number gets called, I’m going to star in that role, no matter what’s asked of me. I can go out there and make plays. I’m going to build trust and relationships with my teammates and coaching staff.
Offense, special teams, I’m going to be a star player in whatever role I’m asked to play. I want to make the biggest impact in whatever way I can.
