They’re easy to spot on the field in their Carolina jerseys. They’re even easier to spot on campus, usually sporting some more Gamecock apparel. They are the face of the SEC at the University of South Carolina: the football team. One player in particular, TJ Holloman, gave HerCampus South Carolina the opportunity to learn more about his time here at Carolina – on and off the field.
Name: TJ Holloman
Hometown: Stone Mountain, GA
Year: Junior
Major: Accounting
Position: Linebacker
HerCampus South Carolina (HCSC): Why did you choose to play football here at Carolina?
TJ: “It was close to home- my grandparents live an hour away. I wanted to play for the legendary head ball coach, Steve Spurrier, and have the chance to go to a bowl game every year. They were also my first of several scholarship offers and were very up front with me about having early playing time.”
HCSC: Game day at USC is insane in the best way…we can only imagine how it must feel to play in Williams Brice. Describe your typical game day.
TJ: “We have team breakfast, followed by several meetings, and then we get to rest at the hotel before our pre game meal. It’s just a lot of down time to focus and get ready for the game mentally. Then the excitement builds as we go through the Carolina Walk all the way up until kick off. “
HCSC: What’s your favorite part about playing for one of the best teams in the SEC?
TJ: “I like the constant competition with our schedule every week. It takes a lot of commitment and hard work to be able to play in this tough conference. The games are definitely my favorite part: the crowds’ atmosphere is electric and sends chills through my body. “
HCSC: Do you have any weird rituals you personally do before each game?
TJ: “I listen to gospel music when I shower at the hotel on game day. “
HCSC: Any funny stories from a particular game/locker room time with your teammates?
TJ: “We enjoy sending out mass snap chats of us dancing after wins. “
HCSC: Where do you hope to be after you graduate from Carolina?
TJ: “I hope to play in the NFL; and after I retire, I want to pursue my career in becoming a CFO.”
We hope to see you there too, TJ. Good luck tomorrow and GO COCKS!