September has been a great month for former Oregon Ducks across the NFL. With three alums starting under center and more making game-winning plays for their franchises on Sunday, the Ducks have made a massive impact on the early part of the NFL season.
The Ducks have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball at the next level, but some of the defensive stars really shined in the first month of the season. Nobody, however, shined brighter than safety Jevón Holland, who is breaking out as a superstar in his second season with the New York Giants. On Thursday, the NFL announced Holland as the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.
Holland has turned in an outstanding start to his sixth season in the pros. In just three games, Holland has tallied
12 tackles, two forced fumbles and one recovery. He's also snagged an interception in all three games, giving him a career high in interceptions in just three games.
The 26-year-old defensive back leads the NFL with four takeaways this season. Holland hauled in his third interception in last Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. The former Duck stepped in front of Cam Ward's pass in the end zone, denying the potential winning score and sealing the game for the Giants, improving to 2-1 on the season.
Holland was a star during his time in Eugene as well. As a freshman in 2018, the four-star recruit led the Ducks with five interceptions and 11 deflections. He continued to make big plays in 2019, snagging four more interceptions while making 66 tackles as he split time as a nickel corner and deep safety, en route to becoming a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist.
Holland opted out of the 2020 college football season to prepare for the draft. He became the first Oregon player to lead the team in interceptions in consecutive seasons since Jairus Byrd did it in 2006 and 2007.
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In the 2021 NFL Draft, Holland went early in the second round, falling to the Miami Dolphins with the No. 36 pick and becoming the first Duck defensive back selected in the first two rounds since T.J. Ward in 2010. Holland has been a starter and impact player throughout his six seasons in the NFL, but still hasn't made it to a Pro Bowl. He signed a three-year, $45.3 million contract with the Giants before the 2025 season.
Not only is Holland on track to make a Pro Bowl for the first time with his strong start, but the New York Giants have impressed because of the defense's play, led by Holland. The former Oregon safety will try to keep his big season going as the Giants host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Giants' Jevón Holland takes home Player of the Month honors
