2024 Five-Star Safety KJ Bolden commits to Florida State

Who is KJ Bolden?

KJ Bolden is a Five-Star safety prospect who is 6-foot-1 185-pound safety from Buford, Georgia. Bolden is a two-sport athlete playing both sides in football star and is an accomplished athlete in track. KJ was selected as a MaxPreps Second Team Junior All-American. Bolden chose Florida State over a bevy of other suitors which include Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia.

What is the impact of the Commitment for Florida State?

Anytime you can snag one of the best high school football players in the nation, and out of the home state of another program, it is huge for reputation. We won't speculate how much the role of NIL played in this recruitment, but Auburn and Georgia have the ability to pony up, so it was unlikely it was the determining factor. It also signals how far Mike Norvell's program is rounding the corner. Florida State is cashing in on a solid 2022 campaign, and there is hype for the team in 2023, the first time folks have been excited in Tallahassee in some years. This only furthers the unity of the fanbase and staff.

How Quickly can KJ Bolden contribute at Florida State?

We have seen young safeties contribute early on in recent seasons, and KJ Bolden is unlikely to be an exception to that, I expect Bolden to make it onto the field early. In addition, Florida State's nickel, and both safeties are draft eligible, and Akeem Dent will be moving on after this season with his eligibility expiring. Five-Star commitments also tend to begat followers from a given class to jump on board, so bringing in high-profile players, simply put leads to bringing in even more.

Scouting KJ Bolden

Bolden is a tremendous athlete, possessing high end speed. Bolden was at one point being recruited primarily as a wide receiver. When you review his film you see Bolden's ability to separate and make competitive catches made him attractive as a receiver. Those abilities lend to his strengths as a safety he has great pursuit and makeup speed, and his ball skills make him the kind of athlete you are afraid to throw the ball near. Bolden is also a young man who can be an immediate impact on special teams, as he is a good punt returner and tough to catch with his track speed. Bolden is flexible though, he can come up to the line of scrimmage and play press man, meaning he could play cornerback or nickel as well as safety for the Seminoles. His game has few holes, and is well refined, especially at his young age, comparisons from some scouts were Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Steelers.