After already signing Max Sommer as offensive coordinators to fix their struggles in the passing game, the Vienna Vikings have found their new quarterback. Former Division II and CFL quarterback Ben Holmes will be under center for the 2022 ELF Champions next season.

High School and community college star

Besides playing football, Holmes also competed in basketball, baseball, and track in High School, but it was on the gridiron, where he really stood out. After playing wide receiver for two seasons, Holmes transitioned to quarterback for his senior year, where he hit the ground running. He was named to the All-District, All-County, All-State teams and voted QB of the Year, leading Orchard Park High School to the State Championship for the second year in a row. 

Despite his success, Holmes was not highly recruited out of High school and ended up committing to Nassau Community College, where he went on to dominate. In his JuCo career, Holmes threw for almost 3000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 18 games, setting QB-records for in passing, rushing and all-purpose categories. After being a JuCo All-American, Freshman of the Year, Player of the Year and Bowl Game MVP, the Nassau star chose to transfer to Tarleton State.

Division II and professional career

In two seasons at the Division II school, Holmes turned into an all-time great. He was a two-time All-American, two-time All-Conference selection, and 2019 Conference Player of the Year, after leading Tarleton State to a 24-2 record and recording 6200 yards and 60 touchdowns during the process. 

After his collegiate career, the talented QB played indoor football for the Arizona Rattlers, before getting selected fourth overall in the 2022 USFL Draft by the New Jersey Generals. After getting released due to a toe injury, Holmes spent 2022 with the Montreal Alouettes, Edmonton Elks, and Toronto Argonauts in the CFL, where he ended up winning the Grey Cup.

Joining the Vikings

In 2024, the former college star will take his first steps across the pond in Europe, where he will join one of the best teams there is. Vienna head coach Chris Calaycay is ecstatic to welcome his new QB to the ELF: