Father of Five-Star Plus+ safety KJ Bolden reflects on Alabama visit, updates decision timeline

In a few weeks, one of the top rising seniors in the nation will reveal his college decision. Five-Star Plus+ safety KJ Bolden, who most recently officially visited Alabama this past weekend, is expected to commit before his senior season begins.

His father, Kai Bolden, provided an update on when that commitment is likely to be announced.

“We’re potentially playing with Aug. 5,” Mr. Bolden told BamaOnLine this week. “We’ve been reaching out for some events and places to get that date locked in. We want to do it before the season, so I’d say somewhere between July 29 and Aug. 11.”

Ahead of his decision, Auburn is attempting to get Bolden on campus for Big Cat Weekend at the end of July. A return trip to Georgia after the dead period could transpire given their proximity to Athens, but it is unlikely. Florida State may receive an official visit during the season.

***BOL RECRUITING WAR ROOM 6/29***

Opportunities on the field and in the classroom will be of utmost importance for Bolden.

“We definitely want it to be some place he feels comfortable,” Mr. Bolden said. “He’s definitely expressed that he wants to get on the field as early as he can, so I’m sure that will play a part. We’ve been looking at different things, like education and internships. Major-wise [majoring in sports management], who’s had the best success in his major.”

Kai Bolden reflects on official visit to Alabama, conversation with Nick Saban

Although a return visit to Tuscaloosa before his decision is made is unlikely, Alabama left a lasting impression on Bolden.

Must Read: Alabama in top three for Five-Star Plus+ safety

This multi-day stay at Bama was crucial for the Bolden family as it resolved one of the worries they previously had.

“It was definitely a good trip,” Mr. Bolden said. “Good school, good environment, great coaches. First-class job they do bringing the kids in. Had an opportunity to sit down and talk with his position coach, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, and also Coach Saban… hearing how they think he has an opportunity to come in, compete, and play early was definitely the highlight of the visit.

“I know Alabama doesn’t always play a lot of freshmen, so that was one of our concerns,” Mr. Bolden added.

On the visit, Bolden chopped it up with the likes of Justice Haynes, Isaiah Bond, Malachi Moore, and Terrion Arnold. He also has a longstanding connection with Caleb Downs as the two are from the same area and played on Hustle Inc.’s 7-on-7 team together.

As for his time with Saban himself, one main message was delivered to the nation’s No. 6 overall recruit.

“Just basically that he would put him in the best position to succeed at the next level,” Mr. Bolden said of what Saban told him. “He feels like he has NFL potential. He wouldn’t even rule out him being a receiver; he said whatever ends up being the best place to get him to the NFL in three years is what he will end up playing at.”

Travaris Robinson has built strong relationships with Bolden and his family

KJ Bolden has previously mentioned that Travaris Robinson is one of the college coaches he has built the strongest connections with.

His father echoed those same sentiments, while also noting there’s an added comfort with Downs being on the team as well.

“I like T-Rob,” Mr. Bolden said. “He’s got a great relationship with KJ. He’s one of those coaches who just reaches out all the time. It’s not always about football; it’s like, ‘Are you all right? How are your grades doing? How are your parents?’ I definitely like that genuineness about him. I think the relationship is there, and I think he trusts him.

“Caleb being there is another plus because he trusts Caleb as a player,” Mr. Bolden continued. “A lot of times, you play better when you feel like somebody has your back out there. All in all, I think it’s a good situation.”

In his interview with BamaOnLine’s Andrew Bone, KJ Bolden put Alabama in the top three in his recruitment. Adding on to that, Kai Bolden dove into the main reasons why the program remains a legitimate contender for his son.

“Bama is top three because it’s a proven factory,” Mr. Bolden said. “If you start for Alabama, you’re going to play on Sunday. Nick Saban has done a tremendous job with the five years he’s coached as far as getting them to the next level. Any time you have an opportunity to play for arguably the best coach of all time, you definitely have to consider it.

“It’s not really far from us, so it’s not a big commute,” Mr. Bolden continued. “Plus, he’s got a lot of guys that he’s already played with that’s down there.”

At this time, the Georgia Bulldogs (61.8 percent) lead for Bolden on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

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