It is not uncommon for a true freshman to shine for Georgia football during their first year on campus. Sometimes it is difficult to predict who that player will be each season because the jump to college ball from high school can be difficult even for the highest ranked recruits. But Kirby Smart and his staff do an excellent job at preparing their freshman to contribute in their first year, so when someone has a breakout true freshman season it isn't all that surprising.
But it is a little less surprising when someone like safety KJ Bolden has a great freshman year because of how high he was ranked coming out of high school. According to 247Sports, Bolden was the No. 1 safety and No. 15 overall player in the country out of high school, so the expetation was that he would be ready to contribute day one. But no one knew how well he would actually do because of all the talent at the position already.
But Bolden was thrust into a major role last season, and he did not disappoint.
Georgia Safety KJ Bolden in Man Coverage Last Season:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 23, 2025
🐶 134 Coverage Snaps
🐶 8 Yards Allowed
🐶 22.6 Passer Rating Allowed
🐶 85.7 Coverage Grade@GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/xB4LNwUBQ1
KJ Bolden shined during his freshman season
During the 2024 season, Bolden finished with 59 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception. Judging a safety off things like tackles and sacks is tough because that really isn't their responsibility on a defense. So the better way to judge the season Bolden had is by looking at his coverage stats, which the above post shows were very strong for Bolden.
In total, Bolden played 134 snaps in coverage, and in those snaps he only gave up eight yards. Bolden also only allowed a 22.6 passer rating and he received an 85.7 coverage grade per PFF as well.
Bolden returns to Georgia for his second season where he will be one of the better players on Georgia's entire defense. The thing however that will take Bolden to the next level is what type of leader he becomes. So that will be the interesting thing to track throughout the season, because no one doubts what type of player he will be, but if he can become a team leader then Bolden is in for a special season this fall.