University of North Carolina Athletics

Holcomb Drafted in the Fifth Round by the Redskins
April 27, 2019 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina linebacker Cole Holcomb has been selected in the fifth round with the 173rd overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Holcomb becomes the 246th Tar Heel chosen in the NFL Draft and the 30th linebacker. He is also the 18th Carolina football player selected in the fifth round. Holcomb is the 16th Tar Heel chosen by the Washington Redskins as well.
"I'm speechless," Holcomb said. "I can't even put this into words. This is something I was told I wouldn't be able to do. Looking back now, we're here and we're just getting started. I want to thank my family for always supporting me and all of my coaches and teammates at North Carolina. This wouldn't be possible without them. I also want to thank the Washington Redskins for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to get up there and get to work."
A New Smyrna Beach, Fla. product, Holcomb tallied 328 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 12 PBU, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 49 games (34 starts) over his four-year career at UNC. He led the Tar Heels in tackles in each of his final three seasons, posting 105 as a senior, 93 as a junior, and 115 as a sophomore. Holcomb claimed second-team All-ACC honors after his senior season.
"I'm speechless," Holcomb said. "I can't even put this into words. This is something I was told I wouldn't be able to do. Looking back now, we're here and we're just getting started. I want to thank my family for always supporting me and all of my coaches and teammates at North Carolina. This wouldn't be possible without them. I also want to thank the Washington Redskins for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to get up there and get to work."
A New Smyrna Beach, Fla. product, Holcomb tallied 328 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 12 PBU, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 49 games (34 starts) over his four-year career at UNC. He led the Tar Heels in tackles in each of his final three seasons, posting 105 as a senior, 93 as a junior, and 115 as a sophomore. Holcomb claimed second-team All-ACC honors after his senior season.
Players Mentioned
MBB: Hubert Davis Post-ETSU Press Conference
Wednesday, December 17
Carolina Insider: Rapid Reactions pres. by Modelo – Men’s Basketball vs. ETSU – December 16, 2025
Wednesday, December 17
UNC Men's Basketball: Veesaar's Career High Leads 77-58 Win Over ETSU
Wednesday, December 17
WBB: Post-Louisville Press Conference - December 14, 2025
Monday, December 15














