Kason Holder has been a jack-of-all-trades for the Sewanee Tigers since stepping onto campus in 2021, but the former star Pioneer was always looking for a way to break out as a star in college. It looks like a new coaching staff has unlocked Holder’s skills in a big way this season.

Holder currently leads the Southern Athletic Association with three interceptions in two games as the Tigers have started 1-1. Sewanee picked up its first win over the weekend, beating Westminster (MO) 32-14. Holder was influential in the victory, finishing with three tackles, his league-leading third interception and also added two kick returns for 55 yards.

The junior, playing under new coach Andy McCollum, was amazing in the team’s first game this year, although the Tigers lost to Maryville 28-8. Holder had four tackles, two interceptions and one pass breakup against the Scots, keeping his team in the game early in a defensive slugfest. If not for a penalty against Westminster that wiped out another pick, Holder would be tied for first in the nation in Division 3 with four takeaways in two games. As it stands, Holder is currently tied for second in all of D3 football with Nicholas Bostrom from Salve Regina (Rhode Island).

“I’m trying to go for 10-plus interceptions,” said Holder, who was the Region 3-6A Defensive Back of the Year for the Pioneers in 2020 when he helped lead Warren County to its first winning season in 30 years. “Our new coaching staff has been amazing. They put me in a position to be all over the field and make plays everywhere. I’m confident in myself and know what I can do every Saturday.”

Holder, who still gets to suit up with his brother Ryland – a linebacker on Sewanee – every week, has moved around the roster the last three years. He was a receiver, defensive back and kick returner as a freshman, finishing with three catches for 15 yards on offense, 34 tackles and an interception on defense and four kick returns for 76 yards.

Last year, Holder started focusing more on defense and piled up 34 more tackles while also knocking away four passes, intercepting one and forcing a fumble. The Tigers kept trying to get the ball in his hands on special teams though, with Holder returning eight punts for 59 yards and piling up 198 yards on kick returns.

He has fielded a punt this year, but his ability to take away the ball on defense has given him some opportunities to make plays and he’s still a dangerous kick returner. Westminster found out the hard way as Holder’s 36-yard kick return in the second half set up a field goal that padded Sewanee’s lead.

Holder keeps hoping to find the endzone one a kick or interception return, but right now he’s just basking in the success of the season. “I’m thankful that our coaches trust me to be our free safety and kick returner. So far, this season has been a reflection of all the work I have put in to football and I thank God for that,” said Holder.

Holder and the Tigers will be back at home this Saturday when Millsaps College comes to Tennessee for a SAA battle. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.