Philadelphia Eagles: Elijah Holyfield’s case for a roster spot

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Elijah Holyfield #21 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Elijah Holyfield #21 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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Elijah Holyfield #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Elijah Holyfield #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia Eagles have a guy who shines brightest when it matters most.

What is most impressive is what Elijah did against top-tier competition. In early November of 2018, Georgia was 7-1 and ranked sixth in the nation and traveled to face a Kentucky team that also sat at 7-1 and was ranked 9th. If Georgia, needed pull of a huge statement win on the road in Lexington to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff

Holyfield was up to the task and Georgia let him loose. On 18 carries, he ran for 115 yards and a touchdown in a significant 34-17 victory. He was the go-to guy on the opening drive of the second half that put Kentucky away. That drive included a 30-yard run for Holyfield, five carries for 44 yards, and a four-yard touchdown to extend the Bulldogs lead to 21-3.

Keep in mind, Kentucky’s defense allowed the sixth-fewest points per game in college football in 2018. In the 2019 draft, Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen was selected seventh overall, cornerback Lonnie Johnson was taken in the second round, and safety Mike Ward was a third-round selection. Holyfield is definitely battle-tested.