Georgia football: The 6-foot, 185-pound, Top Prospect Named Preseason True Freshman All-American by ESPN

KJ Bolden, a former five-star defensive back, joined Georgia’s highly-rated 2024 class and arrived in Athens with significant expectations. While he still needs to establish himself as a Bulldog, many outside the program believe the Buford, Georgia native will achieve a lot this fall.

Recently, ESPN’s Tom Luginbill included Bolden in their preseason true freshman All-American team. The 6-foot, 185-pound player was one of 23 chosen for the honor and is the only Bulldog on the list. Georgia did not have any players recognized on ESPN’s preseason true freshman All-American team for 2023, although defensive end Mykel Williams made the list in 2022.

Bolden has the potential to make an immediate impact similar to what Malaki Starks did as a freshman. Kirby Smart has praised Bolden’s adaptability and impressive skills since he joined the team in the spring, calling him a “sponge” when it comes to football knowledge. Not only is he expected to play, but he might also become a full-time starter.

During SEC Media Days, Nick Saban asked Smart if there were any newcomers poised to have a significant impact this fall.

“We have a few players who I believe can contribute,” Smart replied. “We’re a bit thin at the safety position due to the loss and dismissal of David Daniel, which creates an opportunity for someone to step up.”

“I think KJ Bolden can really help us,” Smart continued. “He’s athletic, intelligent, and comes from a strong high school program. He participated in 15 spring practices and approaches each session like a veteran. Right now, he’s ahead of where Malaki (Starks) was at the same stage, and Malaki played as a freshman. I’m excited about KJ’s potential.”

Bolden was ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect and the No. 1 safety in the 2024 class by 247Sports. Starks entered Georgia as a five-star in 2022 and made an impact right away, intercepting a pass in the first game against Oregon and eventually becoming a starter opposite Chris Smith. By the end of the season, Starks had tallied 68 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a tackle for loss, earning Freshman All-American honors from the FWAA and The Athletic. He spoke about Bolden at SEC Media Days last month.

“His ability to learn and grow is impressive,” Starks noted. “Everyone goes through those growing pains when they arrive, but he’s embracing it and eager to learn every day. In our meetings, it’s clear he genuinely wants to improve, and he’s doing a fantastic job.”