3 recruits Kirby Smart needs to pair with Dylan Raiola at Georgia

Let’s get the best safety in the 2024 class in KJ Bolden to stay in-state, alright?

Georgia already has the top-rated defensive back in the 2024 cycle in cornerback Ellis Robinson IV by way of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Of course, Smart is a former all-SEC safety, so one would think he would prioritize building up the back end of his defense constantly. Not only that, but defensive coordinator Will Muschamp also played the position for the Dawgs in college.

That brings us all down to the top safety prospect in the class in KJ Bolden out of Buford. He may be labeled as an athlete coming out, but we typically see Smart’s staff put its best athletes on the defensive side of the ball so they can play freer faster. Defensive backs coach Fran Brown is his primary recruiter with recruiting coordinator David Cooper serving as Bolden’s secondary in this.

Bolden has 40 official offers, but is taking official visits with these four programs so far: Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Ohio State. Historically, Buford hasn’t always been a guaranteed place that sends its best players to Athens, so Brown, Cooper and the rest of Smart’s staff will need to continue to put in the work to make sure Bolden is a Dawg. His recruitment should be fascinating.

With Brown being the primary recruiter on Robinson’s commitment, you have to like his chances.