One of the highest-profile players signing on Early Signing Day is composite five-star safety KJ Bolden out of Buford, Georgia. Though he’d been committed to Florida State since August, Auburn and Georgia made huge late pushes for the playmaker.

Ultimately, though, Bolden signed with Georgia, here’s what it means for the Bulldogs.

What Signing KJ Bolden Means to Georgia

Georgia has faced some rare adversity in the last few weeks, but this signing class has the potential to take the sting out of missing the College Football Playoff. Bolden gives the Bulldogs three of the country’s 14 five-star-plus recruits as he joins top overall corner Ellis Robinson IV and linebacker Justin Williams.

The Bulldogs had few weaknesses a season ago, but their pass defense was weaker than in the past. The addition of Bolden gives the Bulldogs a true free safety and a guy who can step in immediately and improve an already elite defense.

What Losing Bolden Means to Florida State

Florida State, on the other hand, has had a rough month. The Seminoles missed the College Football Playoff despite going undefeated in the regular season.

Bolden was the crown jewel of an excellent class. He committed to the Seminoles before the season started and had seemingly never wavered from his commitment. The Seminoles got the last official visit, and Bolden even lost his future position coach at Georgia, which is something seemingly significant considering he went visiting Syracuse (and new head coach Fran Brown) after Brown was hired there.

The Seminoles will still swing big in the transfer portal, and they’ll likely have plenty of talent to win the ACC in 2024. However, losing Bolden at the 11th hour indicates the Seminoles’ position behind the SEC powers regarding national championship contention.

What Kind of Player is KJ Bolden?

Recruiting services rarely rank safeties among the country’s elite, but all four major services give Bolden a five-star ranking. Bolden is just the second safety in the era of four rankings services to hold that distinction, joining Alabama freshman All-American Caleb Downs.

Bolden has track speed and good size for the free safety position, already at 6’1″ and pushing 200 pounds. He has elite ball skills and reads opposing quarterbacks’ eyes well, leading to many highlight-reel interceptions in college.

He has the talent to step on the field in 2024 and be one of the top players on the defense. With the announcement that Carson Beck is returning at quarterback, Bolden’s signing further solidifies the Bulldogs as the favorites to win in 2024.