JMU’s disruptive edge-setter who showed up in the backfield
In the 2025 season, Xavier Holmes was a steady game-wrecker for James Madison, finishing with 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, one interception, four pass breakups and a blocked kick. He stood out as a high-motor DL who can affect a game in multiple ways—not just by rushing the passer, but by creating negative plays and flashing in coverage and special teams. JMU also noted he was second on the team in both TFLs and sacks and seventh in the Sun Belt in sacks, which screams disruptive, versatile, and scheme-friendly.
