Senior Spotlight: Deonte Holden

RALEIGH, N.C. - Football may have provided defensive end Deonte Holden the opportunity to come to NC State for his education, but it has been Holden's work ethic and dedication to education that has him leaving NC State with multiple degrees.

The native of Landover, Md., and graduate of famed DeMatha Catholic High School, Holden first earned his undergrad degree in just three years in business marketing.

He then enrolled in a graduate certificate program in brand marketing and textile managing which he will soon be finishing up in December.

And if that was not enough, Holden is currently pursuing two master's degrees: in management and in global luxury management.

"My goal when I started college was to get my degree in three years, that is what I always told my mom," said Holden. "Back then, I was hoping to do good enough to go further, but I didn't really think I would take it as far as I have in obtaining multiple degrees."

It should be of no surprise that Holden has been named to the ACC academic Honor Roll each of the past two years.

"Dealing with injuries and missing time has been tough, but I also think I have made the most out of my college experience in the classroom," said Holden.

With a keen eye to having a career in the fashion industry, Holden interned this past summer with Belk.

"I did a lot of different things, and had such a great opportunity to learn and grow," said Holden. "It was a great experience, and gave me a lot of options for my future in the retail industry.

"I was able to enhance my skills as a business owner. I was able to gain so much knowledge seeing their operation from the inside."

On the field, three games into the 2018 season, Holden's production totals and snap counts have eclipsed his previous career totals.

The first defensive end to sub in, Holden has seen 71 snaps over the first three games, with a career-high of 28 coming against Georgia State.

His production on the field has warranted more game action. In all three games of the 2018 season thus far, Holden has recorded a tackle for loss to help the Pack's defense which enters the ACC portion of its schedule ranked seventh in the nation allowing only 13.3 points per game.

"It has been a great experience just to get out on the field and help contribute to this defense," said Holden. "It is such a great feeling to be able to come together like we have been and get it done as a team.

"I'm always looking at what can I do better to make this team better."

Still with a lot of the 2018 campaign left, Holden already has an eye on his future.

Because of the time he has missed during previous seasons, Holden is in the process of petitioning the NCAA in allowing him to obtain a sixth year of eligibility.

"I'm already sending my letter to the NCAA very soon," said Holden. "I would love the opportunity to come back here and finish what I started."

Regardless of the outcome of that NCAA ruling, Holden already has a tremendous opportunity linen up for himself this spring.

"I have the opportunity to go to Paris," said Holden. "I've learned so much in the classroom, but having this opportunity will help me grow even more in my field."

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