The Florida State faithful sure got a nice surprise. KJ Bolden has committed to the Seminoles.
Bolden is a blue-chip, five-star defensive back out of Buford in Georgia. The national powerhouse developed a highly-touted and sought-after prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. Universally regarded as a top-ten prospect, Bolden is listed as the top safety in 2024. He is Georgia’s second-highest recruit and the nation’s seventh-overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite ranking. One could argue he’s been one of the more highly-anticipated defensive back recruits of the past five years. Either way, Mike Norvell and his staff can check off Step One of the checklist by securing his verbal commitment. Bolden held an elite list of suitors, including a final top five of the Seminoles, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, and Ohio State.
Florida State Gains Commitment from KJ Bolden
The Process and Decision
It’s been an intriguing and turbulent recruiting process to follow in recent weeks. For some time, Georgia fans and those within the Bulldogs’ inner circle believed Bolden was nearly a sure lock. Leading recruiting analysts and experts had Georgia as the front-runner, even penciling in a few Crystal Ball predictions the past few weeks. Auburn, one of the hottest programs on the recruiting trail as of late, picked up steam within the past week. Leading many to think the Tigers could pull off a shocking flip. The front runners appeared to be FSU, Georgia, and Auburn, but the opportunity to play for his childhood dream school was too much to pass up for Bolden.
When speaking with 247Sports, Bolden indicated that Florida State was the dream. He stated, “As a kid, I always wanted to go to this school. Coach Norvell, he gave me a chance. [Norvell] said ‘why not take a chance on the program and come bring it back to what it used to be?’ I just went with my heart. The Seminoles have been in my heart since Day 1. As a kid, I went to every camp [at] Florida State. I just felt like that school was meant for me.”
He continued saying he made his decision “the night before,” and that the way staff treated him and his family “was like no other.” He also expressed his excitement as a recruiter, both with his own Buford teammates and around the country. Locking down a top-five or even top-three class is in the front of his mind.
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ Safety KJ Bolden tells me he has Committed to Florida State!
The 6’1 185 S from Buford, GA chose the Seminoles over Georgia & Auburn
“Why not bring your dream school back to the top?”https://t.co/ZNaNKdzCeg pic.twitter.com/JZzttgqzzN
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 5, 2023
Player Profile
In Bolden, the Noles are getting arguably the most athletic and versatile defensive player in the class. Officially listed as a safety, in the same interview, he claims he’s more of a true defensive back. “I can play Star, safety, strong, corner if you need me to. I’m ready to do it all.” His highlight reel certainly backs up the hype. Standing at 6’1” and 185 pounds, Bolden’s range and playmaking ability in the defensive backfield jumps out. His ability to take great angles is consistent, and his ball skills and closing speed are next-level.
Bolden’s tape also displays elite athleticism on the offensive side of the ball. He is a star wide receiver for a Buford program that is quickly becoming known for pumping out high-profile talent. Buford finished 2021 as Georgia 6-A State Champions and made the 2022 7-A Playoffs at 11-1. Bolden is a huge reason for their success. While lining up on the offensive side of the ball certainly isn’t out of the question, his ceiling is highest as a ball-hawking zone coverage safety.
The 2024 Florida State Recruiting Class
With Bolden’s commitment, this is shaping up to be a potentially historic class in Tallahassee. Florida State now sits at number four on 247’s recruiting rankings for 2024, with more commitments and flips yet to come. It’s safe to say high school prospects are buying into what Norvell’s system is selling. It’s not over yet, though. Come the Early Signing Period in December and National Signing Day, Bolden’s final five schools and a plethora of others will be pushing hard for a flip. For now, however, FSU fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Photo courtesy: Marc Weiszer/Athens Banner-Herald / USA TODAY NETWORK
