Georgia Bulldogs are Florida State's 'biggest threat' to flip 5-star safety KJ Bolden

The race for Buford (Ga.) Five-Star Plus+ safety KJ Bolden was hotly contested. Coming down the stretch, Auburn, Georgia and Florida State all felt like they were trending at one time for the top-10 prospect.

Ultimately, it was Mike Norvell and the Seminoles that landed Bolden’s pledge on Aug. 5, adding to a stacked class that’s set to head to Tallahassee next season. The top-ranked safety in the 2024 cycle — per the On3 Industry Ranking — opted for the colors he’s long wanted to dawn on the gridiron.

“I committed to Florida State for multiple reasons,” Bolden told On3. “Florida State has been my dream school since I was growing up. Since I was a kid, I always wanted to go there. I also really like what Coach Mike Norvell is doing with the program.”

That doesn’t mean he’s totally shutting down his recruitment, however. The 6-foot, 185-pounder now has game visits set with both the Bulldogs and the Tigers. First up is an in-state trip to Sanford Stadium and Athens, a place he’s visited more than anywhere else throughout his recruitment. Bolden will take in UGA’s matchup against South Carolina this Saturday.

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FSU has reason to worry about Georgia gunning for Bolden

On3’s Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons put it simply on the latest edition of The Inside Scoop: Norvell and the Noles should keep a close eye on Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs as it pertains to Bolden. It was a tough choice for the safety in the first place.

“Leading up to the decision, there was confidence in both Athens and Tallahassee. Florida State won out that evening. If you’re a Florida State fan, for me, I worry about KJ Bolden until his papers come in in December at the Early Signing Period. He’s that type of recruit,” Simmons said. “He’s a Five-Star Plus+ safety for a reason … probably the biggest threat is the University of Georgia.”

Bolden will be among a star-studded cast of prospects in Athens this weekend. Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei five-star defensive lineman Aydin Breland is scheduled to visit, as is his UGA-committed teammate, four-star running back Nate Frazier. Recent pledge Salem (Va.) four-star linebacker Chris Cole will also be in attendance.

Georgia has surplus of connections with Bolden

There’s plenty of Bulldog influence around Bolden at all times. Being in-state is one thing, but his Buford teammate, Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Dylan Raiola, is a headliner for the Dawgs’ top-ranked 2024 class, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. Tack on his bevy of visits and there’s clearly some reason for UGA fans to remain optimistic.

“He was a longtime Georgia lean, they’re the in-state school, he’s been there somewhere between 15-20 times. He knows numerous players on that team, he’s teammates with Dylan Raiola, he’s very comfortable with Kirby Smart, Fran Brown, Will Muschamp,” Simmons said. “There’s a lot to stay positive about if you’re a Georgia fan.”

This is all given a flip is even being considered a possibility by Bolden. After all, he already picked the Seminoles and clearly has excitement for what’s being built in Tallahassee by Norvell and Co. He was in Orlando to watch the Seminoles decimate LSU on the opening weekend of the season.

Bolden told Warchant after that win that he was “blessed to be a part” of FSU’s program, which was “heading back to the right spot.” Even still, there’s reason for caution when a program the caliber of Georgia remains in contact.

“Florida State, you’re in a good spot, you are the lead team, he’s committed to you, but Georgia is not going away,” Simmons stated. “Getting him back on campus for Georgia is a huge win for them this weekend.”