KJ Bolden on flip to UGA: 'I want to play for the best and practice with the best.'
While the world may have just found out where KJ Bolden will be playing his college football (Georgia, not Florida State in case you’re behind), the nation’s No. 1 safety said he’s known the decision for some time.
“I just stayed quiet and let everyone pick where they thought I was going to go,” Bolden told reporters, including DawgsHQ’s Rusty Mansell, following his commitment ceremony at Buford High School. “I’ve had it in my head for a couple weeks by now.”
It wasn’t a straight path to land him in Athens, however. Initially committing to Florida State in August, Bolden says his decision changed very little in his interactions with the Georgia staff or how heavily they pursued his talents.
“My first time when I didn’t go with Georgia with Coach Kirby [Smart] and Coach [Will] Muschamp, it was really a surprise. Everyone thought I was a lock for sure. It was a surprise, but after it happened, I made sure I stayed in contact with those guys and with the relationships I’ve built there. I feel tight with all the guys there. It was most definitely different,” he said.
Those bonds made a world of difference when push came to shove.
“When they stayed in contact, I just told Coach I want to play for the best and practice with the best,” Bolden said. “I want to be one of the best players in the nation at one of the best programs in the nation.”
It was certainly welcomed news to the Georgia staff, though the head coach had predicted the outcome some time back.
“They were surprised, honestly. Well, they weren’t too surprised. Coach Kirby told me he wasn’t letting another in-state kid like me leave the state,” Bolden said. “He told me that, and I didn’t tell him until the final weeks coming down to the wire. He said he wouldn’t let another in-state kid leave. It was just crazy.”
Now, with his commitment behind him, Bolden is focused on what’s ahead.
“It feels great. I’m really ready to go down and work,” he said. “I have the hard stuff out of the way. I can go focus, play ball, and be the best person I can be.”
Scouting Report on KJ Bolden
“One of more versatile athletes in the 2024 cycle with considerable upside as a safety. Measured in at 6-foot, 185 pounds prior to his senior season. Has good length with 32-inch arms. Posted strong track marks as a high school underclassman with a personal best of 10.76 seconds in the 100 meters. 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. Flashes outstanding play speed on Friday nights. Closes quickly with physicality in defending the flats. Has shown good deep range in coverage both on Friday nights and in 7-on-7. Played a bunch of offense as a junior. Shows good playmaking ability and overall athleticism on that side. While his ball skills are good for a safety, they would need to improve were he to play offense in college. Has not replicated his impressive track times later in his high school career. Has a relatively smaller sample size relative to some of his highly-touted peers on defense heading into his senior season.” – Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, on KJ Bolden
