Why George Holani Was More Than Just a Running Back
George Holani's rushing stats were impressive, but his true value to Boise State was much deeper. Discover his impact as a receiver, blocker, and leader.
Jordan Blake
A dedicated college football analyst with a focus on Group of Five programs.
When you think of the great Boise State running backs, names like Jay Ajayi, Doug Martin, and Ian Johnson immediately come to mind. They were titans, leaving their mark with staggering rushing totals and unforgettable highlight-reel runs. George Holani, without a doubt, belongs in that pantheon. His name is etched firmly in the record books. But to measure his impact solely by the yards he gained on the ground is to miss the point entirely.
For five seasons on the blue turf, Holani was far more than a ball carrier. He was a quarterback's best friend, a coach's Swiss Army knife, and the quiet, steady heartbeat of the offense. While the box score often celebrated his rushing touchdowns, his true value was written in the margins—in the blitzes he picked up, the crucial third-down receptions, and the veteran leadership he provided through seasons of turbulence and triumph.
The Foundation: A Classic Boise State Rusher
Let's get one thing straight: George Holani was an exceptional running back. You don't rush for over 3,500 career yards and climb to fifth on Boise State's all-time rushing list by accident. He possessed the quintessential traits of a top-tier back: elite vision, patience to let his blocks develop, and a deceptive burst that allowed him to turn a routine carry into a 15-yard gain.
He wasn't a punishing bruiser like Ajayi or a jitterbug like Martin. Holani's style was one of smooth, efficient power. He ran with a low center of gravity, making him incredibly difficult to bring down on first contact. He understood leverage and angles, consistently falling forward to turn a loss into a short gain or a two-yard run into a four-yard one. Those hidden yards, play after play, kept the offense on schedule and wore down opposing defenses.
Holani's Core Rushing Stats
| Stat | Career Total | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 3,596 | 5th All-Time in Boise State History |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 26 | Consistently Found the End Zone |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.2 | Highly Efficient and Effective |
These numbers formed the bedrock of his career. They commanded respect from every opponent and established him as the focal point of the running game. But this foundation was just the starting point for his true impact.
The X-Factor: A Legitimate Receiving Threat
Where Holani truly began to separate himself was in the passing game. In modern football, a running back who can't catch is a liability. Holani wasn't just capable; he was a weapon. He possessed soft, natural hands and was a crisp route runner out of the backfield, making him a reliable safety valve for his quarterbacks on checkdowns and a matchup nightmare for linebackers on wheel routes and angle routes.
"Having George out there was a huge comfort. You knew if the primary reads weren't open, you could get the ball to him in space and he'd make something happen. He almost never dropped a pass." - A sentiment shared by multiple Boise State quarterbacks.
His ability to contribute as a receiver kept defenses honest. They couldn't just assume "run" when he was in the game. This versatility was crucial on third downs, where a quick pass to Holani often moved the chains and extended drives. He finished his career with 88 receptions for 777 yards and 8 receiving touchdowns—numbers that would be respectable for a slot receiver, let alone a primary running back.
This dual-threat capability put him in the same conversation as another versatile Boise State legend, Jeremy McNichols, proving that the Broncos offense is at its most dangerous when the running back is a threat in every facet of the game.
The Bodyguard: An Unsung Hero in Pass Protection
This is the skill that gets the least public recognition but earns the most respect from teammates and coaches. A running back's willingness and ability to block is often the dividing line between a good player and a great one. George Holani was a great one.
He wasn't just a willing blocker; he was a highly effective one. Holani understood protection schemes, could identify blitzing linebackers or safeties, and had the technique and toughness to meet them in the hole. Countless times, a big pass play downfield was only possible because Holani stood his ground and stone-walled a blitzer, giving his quarterback the extra second needed to make the throw.
Think about the trust that builds:
- For the Quarterback: Knowing your blindside is protected allows you to keep your eyes downfield without flinching.
- For the Offensive Line: Knowing the running back has their back on complex blitz packages creates a more cohesive unit.
- For the Coaches: Being able to leave your running back in on 3rd-and-long situations without worrying about protection is a massive strategic advantage.
This selfless, gritty part of his game will never show up on a highlight reel, but it was fundamental to Boise State's offensive success during his tenure. It was proof that he cared more about the team's success than his own stats.
The Leader: Resilience and Leadership Personified
Holani's career was not without adversity. He battled through multiple injuries that could have derailed a less determined player. Yet, he always fought his way back, demonstrating a quiet resilience that resonated throughout the locker room. His work ethic was legendary, and he led by example every single day.
As he matured into an upperclassman, he became a key mentor for the next wave of talent, most notably future star running back Ashton Jeanty. He didn't see Jeanty as a threat to his playing time but as a teammate to elevate. He helped teach Jeanty the nuances of the position—the pass protections, the playbook, the professional approach required to succeed. This mentorship ensured the standard of excellence in the running back room would continue long after he was gone.
His election as a team captain was a formality. He was already a leader in every sense of the word. His calm demeanor was a steadying force during chaotic games, and his teammates looked to him as a model of consistency and professionalism.
The Legacy: More Than the Stats
When we look back on George Holani's time at Boise State, the 3,596 rushing yards will be the headline. But the full story is so much richer. He was the complete package—a player who could run with vision and power, catch the ball like a receiver, block like a fullback, and lead like a captain.
He represented the ultimate team player, excelling at the glamorous work and embracing the gritty, thankless jobs with equal determination. His legacy isn't just his spot in the record books; it's in the standard he set for what it means to be a running back on the blue turf. He wasn't just a running back; he was a football player in the truest sense of the word, and his impact on the program was immeasurable.