BGA’s Hollis to stick with Wildcats — Northwestern, that is

Battle Ground Academy’s Garnett Hollis Jr. has made a verbal commitment to continue to pursue his football and academic career at Northwestern University.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback was sold on the Wildcats the minute he took his official visit on May 17.

“My official really opened my eyes about everything they had to offer,” Hollis said. “The academics at Northwestern played a key role in my decision, plus I’ll get to play in the Big 10 and be able to play early.”

Hollis still had to take his official visit with Vanderbilt, but even then, he had his sights set on Evanston, Illinois. After his last official visit at Vanderbilt, Hollis sat down to make a decision for his future. With his mind made up about Northwestern, Hollis now had to get his parents’ golden seal of approval. 

“My mom is an academic god, so she wanted me to pick a school where I felt that the academics would get me to where I want to go,” Hollis said. “My dad is more on the football side and he wanted me to go somewhere I could attempt to play at the next level and play early. Northwestern seemed to be the best of both worlds.”

With Hollis’ size and speed, he plans on coming in and competing for a spot right away. His dreams of being a college football player, making spectacular plays on national television and celebrating with the fans are about to come true.  

“College football, it’s just something different. I’ve always dreamed of this,” Hollis said. “I don’t want to be just a good player, I want to be great.”

A native of Akron, Ohio, Hollis came to the end of a recruiting road that began when he was a sophomore, after receiving his first offer from Vanderbilt. According to Hollis, there have been ups and downs, and the whole thing was just exhausting, but his family was there for him the entire way.

“I really attribute all my success to my family,” Hollis said. “They didn’t have to make the sacrifices they did to get me where I am now. They didn’t have to take me on visits or enroll me at this great private school I’m at, so, I definitely give all my success and accomplishments to them.”

With his college locked in, Hollis has turned his attention to the upcoming season. Hollis wants to snag at least five interceptions and post 1,000 or more yards in receiving yardage this season. After a tough loss in last year’s state championship, his team goal is to get back and win it all.

“I don’t want to have that feeling of loss again,” Hollis said. “I want to be able to say I’ve won a state championship in high school.

Hollis, a first-team all-region player, rounds out Northwestern’s 15-man recruiting class, currently ranked 29th nationally. 

“Garnett is a really talented player. He’s instinctive and is a good two-way player,” said BGA head coach Jonas Rodriguez. “I think he’s going to be a fantastic college player. I’m excited to see him go to Northwestern and excel.”