Holmesly ready for next level

Chris Holmesly’s football existence is all about giving chase.

On the field, the Orange Coast College sophomore cornerback tries to mirror, more than chase, opposing receivers, though there are, inevitably, times when the 5-foot-10, 185-pound standout needs to make up ground.

Off the field, Holmesly simply can’t turn off his desire to chase his lifelong dream of playing for a Division I school, a pursuit that figures to come to fruition after this season.

“I was born and raised a football player,” said the Mission Viejo High product who earned second-team All-Mission Conference National Division honors last season, when he shared the team lead with four interceptions. “I love the hitting and the hard work ... everything. And it has been my dream and my goal my whole life to play Division I college football. All I think about, now, is Division I football.”

His pursuit of a scholarship from a four-year school was derailed by academic shortcomings out of high school. But, Holmesly has rectified that situation, while further eradicating any perceived shortcomings on the field.

“I think I’m right there with anybody I’m matching up with,” said Holmesly, who in his 13th season of football has developed a feel for the game and considerable confidence to go along with his above-average quickness, strength and competitiveness.

“I’m basically playing man-up the whole game,” he said. “But I love it. That’s what football should be about. It’s a challenging game and I love going against the best; the biggest and the fastest receivers.”

And while Holmesly sometimes gives away fractions of a second to rivals in the speed department [he has run 4.5 seconds over 40 yards], his know-how and desire most often allow him to be in the right position to deny any aerial challenge in his direction.

“He has been a dynamic player this season,” OCC Defensive Coordinator Scott Orloff said. “He’s very physical and his technique is great.”

“My speed is fine,” said Holmesly, who admits he brings a little linebacker mentality to his position. “I can keep up with the guys who run 4.4. I don’t believe it’s a matter of what you run, as much as how you play and how aggressive you are.”

Holmesly, whose primary motivation is not to make a mistake that could cost his team the game, is nothing if not aggressive.

Going into today’s 1 p.m. Mission Conference inter-division game at Mt. San Antonio, Holmesly does not have an interception this season. But he has broken up three passes, forced one fumble and recovered a fumble. Further, his 28 tackles are tied for fourth on the team.

“Some of the bigger receivers may think they can just go over me,” he said. “So I have to go out there and show those guys that I’m not scared and that I won’t back down. I have to let them know I’m ready to play.”

Holmesly readies himself for game day by routinely producing maximum intensity and effort in practice. He also consumes televised football games. He said he watches football on Saturday before he leaves for his game and often rushes home after an OCC game in order to catch more Division-I action on the tube.

Holmesly said his confidence often comes out in the form of banter on the field. But he prefers to think of it more as expressing himself than trying to bait, intimidate or distract his opponent.

“On every team I’ve played for, I’ve always been a leader,” he said. “I try to play really hard and stay pumped up and focused the whole game. Once I’m in that mode, I think the whole team feeds off me.”

Losing is one thing Holmesly said is tough for him to swallow.

“I do not like to lose and I do not take losing lightly,” he said. “All my friends and family would tell you that. Every down at corner is so challenging. If I get beat on a pass and they catch it, I think that could be the play that loses the game. I hate that, so I get really angry. But I’ve learned you have to have a short memory, and I’ve learned how to shake things off.”

Holmesly said he also doesn’t like to gamble, fearing any failure on such a play might lead to a big gain for the opposition.

“I’m basically trying to do the receiver’s job, only backward,” he said. “In time, you learn receivers and their routes and how to read things. I think [decisions on when to make a break for the ball] just come naturally to you.”

OCC Coach Mike Taylor said Holmesly will be missed next year.

“He has been a real good player for us and I think he has a great future,” Taylor said.

BARRY FAULKNER may be reached at (714) 966-4615 or at barry.faulkner@latimes.com.