On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 9, safety KJ Bolden

On3 has updated its recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of dozens of offseason camps, as well as events like the Elite 11 Finals and Overtime 7v7 Finals. Buford (Ga.) five-star safety KJ Bolden is the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2024 On300, jumping up from No. 5 overall in On3’s previous ranking release.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 15 five-star players, up from 11 in the previous update in April. Of those 15 prospects, seven are already committed to college programs, with five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman and defensive lineman Justin Scott the latest to come off the board to Texas A&M and Ohio State, respectively.

The 5-foot-11.5, 195-pound Bolden remains uncommitted and is coming off June where he took officials to Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State and Alabama. On July 2 he announced that he will be making his college decision on Aug. 5 and will choose between Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State.

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) favors the Bulldogs right now for Bolden at 56.1%.

“In exactly one month, five-star safety KJ Bolden will announce his commitment,” On3’s Chad Simmons wrote earlier this month. “Most, including myself, have looked at Georgia as the clear favorite to land Bolden, but this race is far from over. It is the dead period, and many coaches are on vacation, but they are still working hard to land Bolden.

…I still like Georgia, but Ohio State has some momentum. Alabama and Auburn are still in talks with the elite defender as well. A decision date has been set, but there is still a lot of work to be done for Bolden to decide which hat to put on come Aug. 5.”

KJ Bolden Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a prospect:

“One of the top overall athletes in the 2024 cycle early on. Has a plus frame checking in at 6-foot, 185 pounds with a 6-foot-4 wing-span prior to his junior season. Has a personal best mark of 10.76 seconds in the 100 meters, showing outstanding high-end speed early on in his high school career. Also tests well in the combine setting.

…Plays both ways for Georgia powerhouse Buford High as a receiver and defensive back. Projects as a defensive back and likely at safety long-term, where his combination of athleticism and length makes him one of the nation’s best. Will need to improve his ball skills to be a top receiver prospect, but has the coordination to be well above average as a defensive back in that regard.”