Texas 2026 CB Legend Thomas-Holliman Runs 4.35 Laser 40 at Rivals Combine
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As a rising prospect, one great way to catch college coaches’ attention is by running a blazing 40-yard dash. Each position has a certain time that will raise eyebrows, at the skill positions, anything 4.4 or better draws a crowd. Without any fanfare on Saturday at a Rivals combine in Texas, Legend Thomas-Holliman dropped a 4.35 laser timed 40-yard dash.
A late bloomer in some circles, Thomas-Holliman (5-10, 153) showed all the signs of being a highly productive corner last season for Johnson High School (Buda, Texas). The Class of 2026 prospect snagged five picks for the Jaguars junior varsity squad.
Rolling into the 2025 season set to start at right corner, Thomas-Holliman spoke about the Jags’ defensive set.
“We are a man concept team, first guy in and first guy out, running Cover 3 and 4, and Tampa 2,” Thomas-Holliman said. “We added a twist to man concept.”
Asked about his style of play, the speedster replied, “I like press man. I like to press, I’m not as strong with off-man. I like to get my hands on the receivers, slow them down, and be physical at the line.”
Thomas-Holliman continued, “I feel like I have good ball skills, I track the ball really well, and I play the hands. I come downhill and make get the tackle as well.”
Ready to impress scouts this fall and help put “W’s” on the board, Thomas-Holliman has been developing his craft.
“I’ve been working on off-man,” Thomas-Holliman stated. “With my DB coach, I’ve been working on my eyes and feet. Our coaches want to make sure we are not getting lost looking in the backfield. Instead of playing the man, a lot of corners look back.
“I’ve been working on my backpedal, flipping my hips, breaking on the route, backpedaling to a break, and a massive amount of footwork. When pressing, I’ve been working on moving my feet and my shuffle – at school, I am working on off-man, eyes, and my feet.”
Gaining valuable experience on both sides of the ball, 7-on-7 has helped playing for three teams.
“I’ve played with Texas Storm, my school team, and God’s Speed 77,” Thomas-Holliman shared. “7-on-7 is getting me acclimated to different receivers. One will be fast or strong, or better at running routes. I’m getting my speed up and I’m getting my physicality up. Playing 7-on-7 opens the gate to get better at everything.
“The tournaments have gone well; we won a lot of tournaments. We won two with Johnson and one with God’s Speed.”
During the 7-on-7 season, that speed is also being used on the offensive side of the ball.
“I play receiver because of my speed, but it’s not my main position,” Thomas-Holliman said. “I run a lot of go-routes, posts, and digs.”
Asked about his skills as a receiver, Thomas-Holliman shared, “I’d say they are pretty good. I’m good at tracking the ball as a corner and playing the hands. I played receiver, that was my first position.”
On the 40-time that translates to a 4.26 hand-held posted at the Rivals camp, Thomas-Holliman said, “I was very surprised. I was expecting to be better than 4.5; I passed that by a lot.”
Thomas-Holliman plans to camp with Texas, UTSA, North Texas, Baylor, and others this summer.
*The posted height of Thomas-Holliman at the Rivals combine (5-8) is incorrect; he is 5-10.
Photo credit: Thomas-Holliman family; Thomas Holliman in action.