GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers have bolstered their cornerback depth with the signing of undrafted rookie Garnett Hollis Jr., a versatile athlete with a unique blend of size, athleticism, and a remarkable high school resume as a two-way star. Announced on Saturday after a Friday workout, Hollis’ addition to the roster brings a new dimension to a Packers secondary already brimming with young talent. What makes this signing particularly intriguing? Hollis wasn’t just a defensive back in his prep days—he was a dominant wide receiver, hauling in 86 catches for 1,295 yards and 21 touchdowns at Battle Ground Academy in Nashville.
A Two-Way High School Phenom
Hollis, a Nashville native, was a standout at Battle Ground Academy, where he showcased his athletic prowess on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he racked up gaudy numbers, averaging 15.1 yards per catch and finding the end zone 21 times. Defensively, he was no slouch either, recording six interceptions and earning all-district honors in basketball three times. His basketball background—where he dreamed of an NBA career—further highlights his athletic versatility. “Basketball has always been my favorite sport,” Hollis told The Tennessean during his senior year. “But I’m just a lot better at football. I realized in middle school… with my body and my length, the NBA would be harder to get to.”
At 6-foot-3/8 and 205 pounds, with a 4.50-second 40-yard dash and a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump, Hollis brings an imposing physical profile to Green Bay’s secondary. His Relative Athletic Score of 8.26 underscores his above-average athleticism, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing receivers. West Virginia secondary coach ShaDon Brown praised Hollis’ size and disruptive ability last season, noting, “He’s right at 6-2, 205 pounds… he can disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. He gives us that big body where we can match up.”
A Journey Through the Big Ten and Big 12
Hollis’ college career began at Northwestern, where he played 26 games from 2021 to 2023, recording two interceptions and six passes defensed. Seeking greater opportunity, he transferred to West Virginia for his final season in 2024. There, he set a career-high with six pass breakups, though he allowed a 59.2% completion rate and five touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. While his stats didn’t scream early-round draft pick, his physical tools and potential drew comparisons to former West Virginia standout Beanie Bishop, who parlayed a stellar 2023 season (four interceptions, 24 passes defensed) into an NFL role with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hollis himself acknowledged the influence of Bishop’s success. “I was able to talk to him a little bit in the process,” Hollis said last fall. “Seeing him go from the Big Ten to the Big 12 and seeing his stats, it was night and day.” Though Hollis didn’t match Bishop’s production, his size, speed, and ball skills—honed as a high school receiver—make him a developmental prospect with upside.
Packers’ Cornerback Competition Heats Up
Green Bay’s cornerback room is a mix of established names and unproven youngsters. Beyond Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine, the Packers lack cornerbacks with defensive NFL experience from last season. The depth chart includes intriguing but unheralded players like Bo Melton (a receiver-turned-cornerback), late-round picks Gregory Junior (2023), Kamal Hadden and Kalen King (2024), and Micah Robinson (2025), plus undrafted rookie Tyron Herring. Hollis’ arrival adds another competitor to this crowded, youthful group.
What sets Hollis apart is his rare combination of size and receiving instincts. His experience as a high-volume high school receiver gives him a unique perspective on route-running, which could translate to better anticipation and ball skills on defense. However, his 2024 college performance—allowing 20.1 yards per catch—suggests he’ll need to refine his technique to handle NFL receivers.
Off-the-Field Impact
Beyond his on-field potential, Hollis brings a commendable character to Green Bay. During his time at West Virginia, he pledged to donate money for every tackle to Maddox Potter, a 16-year-old battling cancer. “I just heard your story, and it kind of touched me because I’ve had family members that have had cancer,” Hollis told Potter via social media. This commitment highlights his leadership and community focus, traits that align with the Packers’ culture.
Why This Signing Makes the Defense Scarier
The Packers’ defense is built on versatility and depth, and Hollis fits that mold perfectly. His 6-foot-3/8 frame allows him to match up against bigger receivers, while his receiver background equips him to read routes and contest passes. Though still raw, his athleticism and two-way experience make him a high-upside addition to a secondary looking to take the next step. With proper coaching, Hollis could develop into a reliable cover man, adding depth and physicality to a unit already stacked with potential.
Green Bay’s signing of Hollis, alongside claiming running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the 49ers, shows their commitment to building a deep, competitive roster. As Hollis competes for a spot, his unique journey—from high school receiving star to NFL cornerback—adds an exciting wrinkle to a Packers defense poised to scare opponents in 2025.