Holley played high school footballatEl Modena High School before attending Orange Coast College for two years. In 2009, he recorded 311 carries for a school-best 1,457 rushing yards. He transferred to Louisiana Tech to play for the Bulldogs in 2010, where he played until 2012. Holley missed games during 2011 due to a season-ending back injury.[1] In his final year with the Bulldogs, he ran for 1,090 yards and 13 touchdowns.[2]
Holley was eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft and participated in Louisiana Tech's Pro Day that year.[3] Holley initially drew interest from multiple teams, including tryouts from the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys, but went undrafted.[4][5] He was eventually signed by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent shortly after the draft.[6] He was later released and joined the Seattle Seahawks for a short period of time prior to the start of the regular season.[7]
Holley worked part-time installing air conditioners until April 2015, but attended the Hamilton Tiger-Cats free agent camp that month.[8] He signed with the Tiger-Cats in late May. Due to injuries to Mossis Madu and C. J. Gable, Holley became the starting running back for the Tiger-Cats in June.[9] He made his CFL debut starting in the season opener against the Calgary Stampeders on June 26, 2015, where he rushed for 24 yards on 8 carries.[10]
