Georgia football has a lot of talent they need to replace this season on defense, specifically in their secondary. Thankfully the Bulldogs have a lot of star power ready to take over and thrive in their increased roles this year.
But some Bulldogs will need to step up when it comes to being a leader as well, and that is something sophomore safety KJ Bolden recently shared is something he has already taken on this season.
“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 shared via on3.com. “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.”
KJ Bolden learned his leadership skills from Georgia superstars
Bolden detailed that he didn't play much of a leadership role last season as a freshman as he was too busy learning Georgia's defense and what it takes to excel at the college level. But now that he has a year under his belt, he is ready to step up and be a new leader for Georgia.
Bolden later discussed where he learned how to be an effective leader, and he gave a nice shoutout to two of the best Bulldogs from last year's team.
“I feel like Malaki (Starks) and Dan (Jackson) definitely prepared me the right way to lead the group,” Bolden continued. “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."
Expectations are sky high for Bolden this season. He has already been named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award and was even named the No. 5 safety in the country as well. But Bolden's impact will go much further than his production on the field, because UGA arguably needs him to excel the most as a leader this season.
And Bolden is more than ready to be that guy for Georgia for the next two seasons.