TC’s holder commits to Ball State

Posted Jan 15, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 15, 2012 at 02:33 PM

Tampa Catholic defensive back Tyree Holder, a three-year starter for the Crusaders, made a verbal commitment to Ball State University to his official visit to the school Sunday in Muncie, Indiana.

Holder also had offers from Washington State, Central Michigan, Toldeo, Georgia Southern, Stony Brook, Bethune-Cookman University and North Carolina Central.

Holder said multiple factors pointed to Ball State, including spiritual ones.

“I felt like it’s the right place for me and it’s just a great environment,” Holder said. “I prayed about it and asked God to give me a sign last week. And when I got here, I felt like I had it. It all just felt right.

Ball State competes in the Mid-American Conference and offeres one of the nation’s top communications schools. Holder’s father, Bobbie, said he was impressed with that department and the coaching staff.

“I think the coaches really care about their kids and they stay on top of them about their education,” Bobbie Holder said. “I feel like he’s in good hands here.

Tyree said he has no plans to redshirt his freshman year and wants to be in the mix for a starting job in the fall.

“I’m going to have to compete like everyone else,” Holder said. “I’m looking forward to that when I get here.”