SEC Spring Breakout Players: UGA Safety KJ Bolden

By Chris Marler

Our latest SEC Football offseason series highlights ten breakout players poised to make a major impact this spring. Kicking things off: Georgia’s dynamic safety, KJ Bolden.

Five-Star Talent with Big Expectations

Bolden was a five star recruit out of high school and one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting class for Kirby Smart. Bolden is a 6-foot-1, 190 pound Safety from high school perennial power Buford. He originally committed to Florida State, but ultimately chose the Dawgs. 

Immediate Impact as a Freshman

Bolden made an immediate impact in his true freshman season. He played in all 14 games,  including two starts. He finished fifth on the team in tackles with 59 and, according to Pro Football Focus, allowed just eight yards receiving in 134 coverage snaps on the year. 

Expert Breakdown: Graham Coffey on Bolden

We talked to Graham Coffey of Dawgs Central, who said this about Bolden:

“There is a reason you don’t remember seeing KJ Bolden downfield with the ball in the air too much last season … The true freshman was better in man coverage than any player in the UGA secondary, allowing just eight yards in 134 man-coverage snaps. Bolden regularly erased half of the field in the deep passing game when playing Cover 2 responsibilities as well. When you flip on the tape, you’ll find that he was the most consistent safety on a Georgia roster that included projected first-round pick Malaki Starks and veteran playmaker Dan Jackson.”

What’s Next for Bolden?

Bolden was a quick study, becoming one of the rare prospects to start every game for Georgia as a true freshman. He had a few “Welcome to the SEC” moments as a run defender early in the season, but he is very physical for his size and another year in UGA’s strength program should only help his durability.

In 2025, he could evolve into a versatile playmaker for Schumann, seamlessly dropping into the box as an extra run defender while also excelling in deep coverage and locking down inside receivers in man-to-man situations. Despite only being a rising sophomore, sources around the program have already mentioned him as one of the early leaders of UGA’s offseason workouts.

A Big Year Ahead

KJ Bolden should make a significant jump in year two as a starter for the Dawg defense, especially with fellow safety Malaki Starks gone to the NFL.