Longshot Auburn football flip target would make Tigers DB class nation's best
Longshot Auburn football flip target KJ Bolden -- currently committed to Florida State but holding a 100% confident crystal-ball prediction to Georgia from 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong -- would make the Tigers' 2024 defensive backs class one of the nation's best according to Auburn Daily's Brian Smith.
"Now, why Bolden's commitment would solidify Auburn's defensive back class as one of the nation's best," Smith prefaced before saying, "With the all-around talents of the aforementioned five defensive backs, adding them with Bolden provides the Tigers with incredible flexibility with different defensive packages.
"Spread-formation football means matchups have been king. A defensive back who's shown the ability to play nickel and safety, as one example, probably has more value than a player who's only been successful as a cornerback, going against the spread. That's why there's good news for the Tigers. Bolden could play about any skill spot, and each of the other five Auburn defensive back commitments could at least play one additional spot as well."
Auburn football deemed the team to watch for KJ Bolden
Rivals' Adam Friedman doesn't take Syracuse seriously as a contender for Bolden, but he does believe the Tigers are the team to watch in the Buford Athlete's recruitment.
“Syracuse just hosted Bolden for an official visit but the Orange are unlikely to be a real contender for his commitment," Friedman wrote. "The story here though is how close Bolden became with new Syracuse head coach and former Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown. Bolden and Brown were in constant communication while Brown was coaching in Athens and the Bulldogs aren’t backing down, even without Brown on staff anymore. Auburn is a major player for Bolden after hosting him for an unofficial visit last week. The Tigers could be the team to watch as Bolden tries to find some clarity before National Signing Day.”
Auburn has long been one to watch for Bolden, gaining momentum in the aftermath of Florida State's exclusion from the College Football Playoff. Georgia taking the lead is not exactly a shocker considering all the pros Kirby Smart has produced, but Ron Roberts' efforts elevated several defensive backs to declare for the draft in 2024 too.
Perhaps this isn't a wrap just yet, but Bolden's commitment is far from an AU lean right now.