Michael Hollands

Mike has recently graduated from Portsmouth University with a degree in Marketing. Having played American Football for 3 years, for the University of Portsmouth Destroyers. Earning Defensive MVP for the 06/07 season and Defensive MVP and Defensive Lineman of the 07/08 season. He is also the only player in Portsmouth Destroyers history to have his jersey (number #18) retired. I am now coaching the Defensive lineman for the team.

Mike has also played for the Southern Sundevils from 2006 until 2008, playing 3 seasons with the team. He had the second highest number of tackles on the team during both the 07 and 08 season, as well as the highest number of QB sacks on the team and the highest number of tackles for a defensive lineman during the 08 season.

In 2008 he got selected to the University MVP game in 08, which is the best players from the South vs. the best from the North, as the starting Defensive End. Later he has also been selected for the Great Britain team, which is a continual trial programme, via training camps and friendly games, selecting the best players for the 2010 championships.

H was also scouted and tested by the NFL International Development Programme, which selects players from across the world, who they feel could potentially be signed to an NFL team. I impressed the NFL scouts enough at the trail day in Bristol to progress to the NFL camp in Spain, which is for the best players outside of the US. Unfortunately, the programme has been put on hold due to the current economic climate, but will hopefully continue next year.

Due to Mike’s involvement with the NFL programme, he has been contacted by some of the top teams throughout Europe offering him a contract to turn professional. He is currently in negotiations with teams in Germany, Austria and Finland to play for the 2009 season.

Mike is 6’6” tall and weighs 275lbs. His size, speed and strength have been crucial to his development and playing ability, but he is continuing to try to increase every level of his abilities.
He says: “I aim to weigh a lean 285lbs, but maintain my speed and athleticism. I am only 22, and I feel I have come along way since I first started 3 years ago, I am a hard working individual, with a very good work rate and attitude. I am a quick learner and put 100% effort into everything I do. I enjoy working out and have been doing so since I was 16, increasing my body weight from 175lbs to 275lbs. I put a lot of effort into all of my training and aim to continually improve through my hard work and determination. I have set myself the target of being the best defensive end outside of the USA and I continually strive to improve myself and my playing ability in every aspect. My goals for the future are to play in Europe for the next few seasons, improving my ability and knowledge of the game. To help Team GB win the 2010 championships and to keep impressing NFL scouts, so that I get to be selected for an NFL team.”

In the summer of 2009 Mike was signed to play for a professional team.