KJ Bolden, a current Florida State commitment, could be the final piece in Auburn’s defensive back class reaching elite status. Hugh Freeze and the Tigers are still interested in the #1 safety recruit according to Rivals, On3, 247, and ESPN.
Bolden recently tweeted the following photo of Freeze and himself after meeting with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze to demonstrate his interest in the Tigers.
There has been speculation that Bolden will sign with either Florida State, where he is currently committed, Auburn, or Georgia. It’s been a long recruiting process to get here.
Many programs across the country have expressed interest in Bolden, including but not limited to Auburn, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida State.
He’s also had in-home visits from Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Florida State’s Mike Norvell recently. Bolden’s recruitment has been as hotly contested as that of any other prospect in the country thus far, and he is expected to make a final decision on December 20, National Signing Day.
Now, consider what Auburn would pair the 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety from Buford (Ga.) with if he switched his verbal commitment from the Seminoles to the Tigers on National Signing Day.
As of December 14, Auburn had five verbal commitments for their future secondary. It’s a list of defensive backs who can potentially play multiple positions for the Tigers. Each player who has already pledged to Freeze and the Tigers is listed below:
Jalyn Crawford, Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview cornerback
A’Mon Lane, Moody (Ala.) High School cornerback
Defensive Back Kensley Faustin, Naples (Fla.) High School
Safety Kaleb Harris, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson
Greenville (Ala.) High School / Goodman (Miss.) Holmes Community College safety Laquan Robinson
Now consider why Bolden’s commitment would cement Auburn’s defensive backfield as one of the best in the country. With the all-around abilities of the aforementioned five defensive backs, combining them with Bolden gives the Tigers tremendous flexibility with different defensive packages.
With spread-formation football, matchups are king. A defensive back who can play nickel and safety, for example, has more value than a player who has only been successful as a cornerback against the spread. That is why the Tigers have good news.
Bolden could play almost any skill position, and each of Auburn’s other five defensive back commitments could play at least one more.
For example, when the Tigers face a team that uses a tight end or a traditional shifty receiver in the slot, Faustin could be a nickel. As another example, Robinson could play either safety or centerfield by making an impact in the box. Another important factor is Numbers. Auburn’s defensive back depth needed to be improved, and the first five secondary commitments have greatly aided that department. Bolden would be the cherry on top and yet another impact recruit for the Tigers.
If Bolden signs with Auburn, the Tigers will have an outstanding defensive backfield; an elite defensive backfield. Auburn fans should keep a close eye on this recruitment as it has been and continues to be.
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