Decision time, date set for Ohio State safety target KJ Bolden

COLUMBUS — The last few weeks have been a bit tough for Ohio State on the recruiting trail.

But the Buckeyes are hoping for that to change in the coming days with decisions from a few prospects high on their defensive boards.

Lettermen Row has learned the five-star Buford (Ga) safety KJ Bolden officially has set the time and date for his commitment announcement — Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. eastern.

Bolden is the No. 1 safety, No. 9 overall prospect and the top-rated player in Georgia according to On3. His commitment, regardless of where to, will certainly push the needle for any program’s 2024 class. The 6-foot, 185-pound safety has a final five of Ohio State, Georgia, Florida State, Alabama and Auburn.

Bolden will reportedly visit Auburn this weekend for its recruiting event called “Big Cat Weekend.” There is some speculation that Bolden could make a splash visit to another program within his top five, but Lettermen Row sources have indicated they don’t expect it to be Ohio State.

Bolden does have Ohio State connections that have kept it in the race so far. He is the cousin of safeties coach Perry Eliano and his relationship with head coach Ryan Day is noteworthy.

Ohio State’s recruiting event, SummerFest, takes place this Friday inside Ohio Stadium. Lettermen Row sources have told us the event isn’t focused on a particular recruiting cycle, but it is intended for in-state and regional prospects.

The Buckeyes 2024 defensive class, while small, is pretty solid right now. Five-star Chicago (Ill) St. Ignatius defensive lineman Justin Scott headlines the class for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

Four-star Sunbury (Ohio) Big Walnut linebacker Garrett Stover is the longest-tenured commit to the Buckeyes’ defensive class — he committed in November 2022. He was joined by four-star Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy linebacker Payton Pierce in the spring.

Ohio State added three four-star members to its secondary class this summer with cornerbacks Bryce West and Miles Lockhart. Safety Jaylen McClain rounds out the back end for the Buckeyes.

Will Bolden join them in a few weeks, however? Continue to follow Lettermen Row for up-to-date coverage on Bolden and the rest of the shakedown on the Buckeyes 2024 class.

KJ Bolden Scouting Report via On3

One of the more versatile athletes in the 2024 cycle with considerable upside as a safety. Measured in at 6-foot, 185 pounds prior to his senior season. Has good length with 32-inch arms. Posted strong track marks as a high school underclassman with a personal best of 10.76 seconds in the 100 meters. Also tests well in the combine setting.

Plays both ways for Georgia powerhouse Buford High as a receiver and defensive back. Projects as a defensive back and likely at safety long-term, where his combination of athleticism and length makes him one of the nation’s best. Flashes outstanding play speed on Friday nights. Closes quickly with physicality in defending the flats. Has shown good deep range in coverage both on Friday nights and in 7-on-7. Played a bunch of offense as a junior.

Shows good playmaking ability and overall athleticism on that side. While his ball skills are good for a safety, they would need to improve were he to play offense in college. Has not replicated his impressive track times later in his high school career. Has a relatively smaller sample size relative to some of his highly-touted peers on defense heading into his senior season.