Clemson ‘checked all the boxes’ for Five-Star Plus+ safety KJ Bolden’s father

Buford (Ga.) Five-Star Plus+ safety KJ Bolden spent this weekend on an official visit to Clemson. Bolden attended the visit with his family, including his father, Kai Bolden.

Kai was impressed by the genuineness of the Tigers’ staff. He could sense that his son, one of the top uncommitted prospects in the country, appreciated his time in Death Valley.

“He definitely enjoyed it, he told me,” Kai told On3. “He said, ‘Dad, I really like it and I feel like I have a great opportunity to come in and play.’ A couple of guys committed this weekend. He said he was close, but he wants to do the rest of his June stuff and try to figure it out after that.”

According to Kai, Clemson “checked all the boxes.” He was especially impressed by the Tigers’ culture, academic offerings and dedication to their athletes

Throughout his time in South Carolina, Kai found that Clemson’s staff treated K.J. like a priority. He complimented their hospitality and felt like it was a great visit overall.

“Their message to him is, ‘Wherever you go, you’re going to be a great football player,’” Kai said. “Dabo (Swinney) told him in the office, he said, ‘Man, you’re going to go to the NFL no matter where you play. But if you come here, the experience of being a Tiger, you’re going to be a better man.’ That’s more their approach, the man they can make you, the husband they can make, the son they can make you.”

Bolden has more official visits coming up

Clemson only offers a select group of prospects each cycle, and Bolden is one of them. Kai believes that “says a lot about them as a program.” In addition to what Clemson provides on the field, Kai likes how the P.A.W. Journey helps the Tigers’ players with internships, jobs and professional advice.

K.J. is set to have a busy couple of weeks since the 6-foot-0, 185-pound defensive back is taking official visits to Georgia (June 9), Ohio State (June 17) and Alabama (June 23). He will also officially visit Auburn on Sept. 29.

Kai mentioned that a decision before the season starts in August is still a real possibility.

Prior to this weekend, K.J. last visited Clemson on Jan. 28. He has been to Death Valley roughly six times.

K.J. is the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 safety in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Georgia.

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