KJ Bolden Ready for 'Different' Role in Year 2 at Georgia

KJ Bolden started two games as a freshman and played in all 14 of Georgia’s contests. Despite only being a sophomore, Bolden is the Bulldogs’ most experienced returning safety.

Sure, Bolden will still be asked to do many of the same things he did on the field last season. However, his role as a leader will change drastically without the presence of the now former NFL players, Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson.

“Yeah, it’s definitely different. You know, just first year you’re having not to speak as much, just learning, processing everything from the older guys,” Bolden said of his new leadership role. “And this year, just taking on the leader role a little bit. It’s definitely been challenging, but it’s fun at the same time.”

It is indeed “different” and something not many true sophomores would envision just after completing their freshman year. But for Bolden, this step up wasn’t unexpected.

“I feel like Malaki and Dan definitely prepared me the right way to lead the group,” Bolden said. “I’m just trying to lead the way they did. You know, just push the guys every day, just telling the guys how important it is just to work hard and just love things that matter. So, it’s definitely been fun just working on leading this year.”

He may not be the elder statesman in the room. That is a title belonging to the junior, JaCorey Thomas. Yet, in just one season, Bolden made more starts than Thomas had in three seasons. This now has Bolden stepping into the shoes that Starks and Jackson wore a year ago.

“You know, last year I really – I was still learning, but at the same time I knew what to do. But this year, I feel like I kind of understand the playbook a lot better,” Bolden said. “You know, just the new guys, I’m just trying to teach them.”

With the departures of Starks and Jackson, Georgia turned to the transfer portal to replenish depth at safety. They added Adrian Maddox, Jaden Harris, and Zion Branch, all via the portal. While all of them boast playing experience at their prior school, they are learning the Georgia way.

“We watch film every day. You know, we go to the playbook every day at night with the new guys and transfers, …” Bolden said. “I’m just trying to teach them the way we do things around here.”