With the Vegas Knight Hawks now 7-2 on the season, wide receiver Caleb Holley knows exactly what the team needs to do to get back on track this Saturday.
"Practice. We practice like pros and we don't take days off, so that's where it comes from," he said. "If we do what we do in practice, we'll get back to our game."
Despite the recent frustrations against the Sugar Skulls and Wranglers, the Knight Hawks have put themselves in a strong position to make a playoff push over the remaining games of the season. Holley has been instrumental to the offense over that stretch. His 10 touchdowns lead the Knight Hawks this season and stand tied for eighth in the IFL.
He credits the strides he's taken this season both as a receiver and a leader to his experience in the Knight Hawks organization.
"It just comes down to experience. When I was in the AFL, CFL, and starting in the IFL, I was always learning from other players," Holley added. "I always want to help lead. I might not be the most vocal; [Quentin Randolph's] a vocal guy, he's always making sure we're all on the same page and fired up. And I like to do the same with my actions. I'm an action guy."
"I try and be there for my teammates. If they need someone to lean on, I'm there. And every time we go out there I try and do my best for them. My goal is to help my team win and get us to the championship."
His on-field play certainly reflects that leadership. Head Coach Mike Davis praised Holley's selflessness and the corps as a whole, noting that their flexibility and willingness to adapt has paid off for the team.
"Any time that you have options and you can make things work, it helps," Davis said. "You can't rely on one person…[Holley's] absolutely made a huge impact on the field and gives his best out there."
Holley has been motivated as much by family and fans as he has by his teammates. He hopes to be an inspiration to them as his football career continues.
"Right now my son is the biggest thing that drives me more," he said. "I want him to see me play and see what his dad does and be proud of me. But before my son was born, it was just the environment that I was in. Making sure that I was something other than on the streets or in prison. That drove me, especially because of my mom. I want to make her proud so she knows that what she did worked out for her son. It paid off."
"And I always just try and put on a show, and it's awesome to see that kids are inspired. I want to show them that you can be like me, or be better than me. I hope so."
