With Season Approaching, AJ Holmes Jr. highlights the importance of communication

As the Red Raiders continue ramping up preparations for the fast-approaching season, defensive lineman AJ Holmes Jr. spoke on the mindset driving the unit. For Holmes, the defense’s edge doesn’t come from any one element, but from the combination of relentless pace, precision, and communication that keeps everyone aligned on the field.

“Just learning the playbook and playing with a lot of speed and violence. That’s what we focus on every day.”

“Just helping each other out and making sure that each of us know what the call is and know everything is in order so we can all play at full speed”

Holmes Jr.’s comments reflect a defense determined to play fast without sacrificing discipline. By stressing communication alongside effort, he highlighted the trust being built in the trenches – a quality the Red Raiders believe will be essential as they aim to set the tone early this season.

What Holmes Jr. is looking forward to this season

Beyond the work being done in the trenches, Holmes Jr. is already looking ahead to the atmosphere inside Jones AT&T Stadium. For him, the energy of Red Raider Nation will play just as important a role as the preparation on the practice field.

“I’m really pumped and excited to see what the fans are like. You know, me and my brothers will come out ready to play. I’m just ready to be filled off all the fans’ energy and just seeing another team,” Holmes Jr. said.

The Impact of Shiel Wood

Holmes Jr. also praised the guidance he’s receiving from defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. For the lineman, Wood’s approach is about more than schemes – it’s about instilling discipline, emphasizing the small details, and trusting that consistent effort on the fundamentals leads to big results.

“His attention to detail and his discipline. Just doing the right thing to lead to great things. Doing a small thing that’s your job is gonna lead to great things.”

Holmes Jr. also reflected on what it meant to him personally to get the chance to play under Wood at Texas Tech. For the defensive lineman, the opportunity was more than just a roster spot – it represented trust, mentorship, and a chance to grow under a coach who believes in him.

“It means everything to me because he gave me an opportunity, you know? He put in a good word for me, for the new coaches over here to invest in me and bring me in,” Holmes Jr. said.