In a significant turn of events on National Signing Day, five-star safety prospect KJ Bolden decided to switch his commitment from Florida State to Georgia. The Bulldogs, already boasting a top-ranked class, secured a pivotal addition as the early signing period commenced. Bolden, who emerged as the No. 1 safety in his class and the 15th overall prospect according to 247Sports, showcased his skills at Buford High School in Georgia.
Despite initially committing to Florida State on August 5 and recently visiting their campus, Bolden’s allegiance shifted to Georgia. The Bulldogs’ relentless pursuit included two in-home visits with the in-state prospect, ultimately paying off with the commitment flip. This victory is particularly notable for Georgia, as recruiting elite talent from Buford has historically posed challenges, with instances like the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2024 class, Dylan Raiola, flipping to Nebraska after starting at Buford.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds, Bolden demonstrated his versatility as a playmaker at Buford. During the season, he amassed 33 tackles and secured four interceptions on the defensive end. On the offensive side, Bolden made 30 receptions for 663 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. A closer examination of his game by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins revealed Bolden’s three-phase playmaking ability, positioning him as a potential deep safety with the capability to prevent touchdowns.
Bolden’s athleticism extends beyond the football field, with notable achievements in track and field events such as the long jump, triple jump, and 100-meter dash. This background in track likely contributed to his success as a kickoff returner, where he scored two touchdowns in the 2023 season.
While Bolden’s frame is currently described as wiry, his instinctive defensive skills and physicality for his size stand out. The article also notes that he may benefit from adding mass to enhance his success as an open-field tackler. Nevertheless, Bolden’s decision to commit to Georgia adds a significant boost to the Bulldogs’ already impressive recruiting class.
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