UGA Recruit Holyfield Hopes Richt Stays

EAST POINT, Ga. - Elijah Holyfield is the real deal if you ask UGA football fans.

The Woodward Academy running back, who happens to be the son of former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield, committed to the Bulldogs exactly two months ago and still appears happy with his decision even though many in the Bulldog Nation are calling for head coach Mark Richt's head after losses to Alabama, Tennessee and Florida left the team out of contention in the SEC East.

But when asked directly by FOX 5 Sports reporter Justin Felder if it mattered to him what was happening in Athens, the younger Holyfield admitted, "It does a little bit."

"It's a little bit crazy" Holyfield continued, "I try not to let that intervene with my season too much. I try to focus on my team (Woodward) first. I definitely hope he (Richt) stays."

A toe injury caused Holyfield to miss a chunk of the season, but he seems to be healthy after returning a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown and rushing for 132 yards last week against Whitewater. Woodward hosts Carrollton in the regular season finale on Friday for the region 5-AAAA title and home field advantage in the playoffs.

Beat Whitewater 28-7. Elijah Holyfield returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown and rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. It was Holyfield's second game since an early season injury. Next: Friday vs. Carrollton (5-4)