FSU lands big corner for 2018 class
Florida State is quickly becoming its own version of DBU with the amount of talent the Seminoles are racking up at the defensive back position. On Tuesday, the 'Noles continued that trend as Bartram Trail 2018 DB Isaiah Bolden announced he has committed to Florida State over Florida, Georgia and others. Bolden talked with Warchant about his decision to pick the Seminoles.
When it comes to recruiting, it's not always about who the favorite school growing up is, but what team is the best fit.
For Bartram Trail 2018 DB Isaiah Bolden, he certainly followed that approach with Bolden growing up a Florida Gators fan. Despite holding offers to FSU and Florida, it was the Seminoles that captured his heart in the end.
"Yes sir, I committed to Florida State," Bolden told Warchant. "I did grow up a Florida Gator fan, but I think when you are young, you grow out of that when you start seeing every school. And with FSU, when I visited there, I just knew and everything clicked with me, the coaches and the players when I was there."
Another major part of the decision came down to what the Seminoles do with their defensive backs. In particular, what the 'Noles have done with bigger defensive backs as of late.
The 'Noles had Jalen Ramsey go as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Derwin James could follow suit when he eventually leaves Florida State. Those two players had a strong effect on Bolden.
"That was a big part of the decision in seeing how much versatility FSU gives their defensive backs and how they are used," he said. "I studied a lot on how Jalen and Derwin were used in that defense, so that was a big thing for me in seeing that defense. FSU feels I can play anywhere in the secondary, but also likes me on the offensive side of the ball."
Bolden, who informed Warchant.com of the commitment, says he's now 6-foot-3, 182 pounds. Bolden also added that he plans on attending this week's FSU summer camp, but this trip will mostly be about visiting and not participating in the camp.
"I get there Thursday. I want to spend a lot of time with the coaches and players," he said. "Mostly the defensive coordinator, Charles Kelly, since I haven't talked that much with him. I just want to get comfortable with everyone on the staff."
The talented defensive back says once he got the offer from FSU, that was big because he had already built a great relationship with FSU assistant coach Odell Haggins.
Bolden announced his college choice via twitter on Tuesday afternoon.
Another exciting factor for the Seminoles will be that Bolden plans to be an early graduate for the 2018 class.
"I'm very excited to be a part of the [FSU] family," he said. "I know Coach Haggins was very happy when I called him this morning and committed. I'm going to tell Coach [Jimbo] Fisher soon. I wish I could be there now at FSU. I will be an early enrollee, so that will help me get a jump on things."
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