Holton Ahlers

Holton Ahlers's Biography

Holton Maddux Ahlers was born on the 10th of November, 1999, in Greenville, North Carolina. Ahlers, whose surname is pronounced “AYE-lurrs,’ is an incredibly gifted quarterback, currently gracing the professional fields of the United Football League (UFL) for the Arlington Renegades.

Holton began his passion for football in high school, when he attended D. H. Conley High School in Greenville. There, he distinguished himself as a talented multi-sport athlete, playing football, baseball, and basketball. His skills as a quarterback led to him being a four-year starter and a team captain at D. H. Conley, taking the team to four playoff appearances consecutively and clinching three conference titles.

His impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as he carved out a reputation as one of the most prolific passers in North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA) history. Ahlers finished his high school career as the third all-time leader in passing yards, with a remarkable total of 11,198. He also accumulated 14,784 total offensive yards, placing him second all-time. Additionally, he was a dominant force in the area of touchdowns, placing third all-time with 201 touchdowns and further securing his legacy with 145 passing touchdowns.

His exceptional skills made him a three-time first team All-Conference selection and a two-time conference player of the year. These achievements were coupled with his selection to the Greenville Daily Reflector’s First Team All-Conference twice and an honor from the Raleigh News & Observer as an All-Metro quarterback.

The sophomore year of 2015 saw Ahlers demonstrating his gift once more, garnering awards such as the team MVP and All-County honors. A powerful force on the pitch, Ahlers carved out an impressive 2,457 yards throw, and a 1,142-yard run, accounting for 42 total touchdowns scored that year. In 2016, he continued to dominate the fields, earning further recognition as an Associated Press All-State pick and a 252 ESPN Radio Player of the Year. During that year, he collected an astonishing 5,414 total yards and 66 total touchdowns.

His senior year in 2017 was another strong year for Ahlers. Leading the Vikings to an 11-2 finish, a 3A/4A conference title, and an appearance in the state playoffs, he secured the Raleigh News & Observer Player of the Year and Greenville Daily Reflector’s First-Team All-State honors. Among his myriad of achievements were 75 total touchdowns, with 61 of those passing touchdowns, that also made him the second all-time in a season.

After gaining recognition as a consensus three-star recruit, Ahlers was courted by various colleges, including Colorado State, Minnesota, NC State, and West Virginia. However, he ultimately made his commitment to East Carolina on January 30, 2017.

In 2018, Ahlers began his college career in earnest, playing in ten games and starting five. Despite facing the initial hurdles of college football during the starting games, Ahlers displayed the tenacity and skill that earned him his first career start against UCF the next week. Through the season, even in the face of losses, Ahlers proved his value, setting the tone for what would become a solid college football career.

Ahlers continued to shine in 2019 when he started all twelve games for the Pirates, finishing the season with 3,387 yards and 21 touchdowns. The following year was difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet Ahlers still started in eight out of the nine games he played that season. Despite the setback, the season was testament to Ahlers’ resilience and ability to perform even in unideal circumstances.

In 2021, Ahlers started all twelve games, finishing the season with eighteen touchdowns and an impressive record of 3,126 passing yards. During that season, he became one of four active FBS quarterbacks with 10,000 career passing yards and 1,000 career rushing yards. Despite the wins and losses, Ahlers led the team with consistent excellence, compiling an admirable record and earning a bid in the Military Bowl against Boston College.

While the bowl game was ultimately cancelled due to COVID-19, Ahlers’ continued to look to the future, and in 2022, he started all thirteen games, leading the Pirates to a career-best eight wins and their first bowl win since 2014. Today, Ahlers successfully combines skill, precision and tenacity to maintain and extend the boundaries of his football prowess.