KJ Bolden Highlights Impact of Malaki Starks Ahead of Key Matchup

KJ Bolden, the sophomore safety for the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, attributes much of his success this season to guidance from former teammate Malaki Starks. Starks, a two-time All-American and a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, played a crucial role in Bolden’s development during their time together at Georgia.

“He taught me everything I really need to know,” Bolden said, reflecting on Starks’ influence. The lessons learned from Starks continue to resonate, as he still provides support through messages before each game, reminding Bolden to “relax and just focus.” Bolden describes Starks as a vital blueprint for his progression on the field.

As the Bulldogs prepare for a high-stakes game against the No. 10 Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium, Bolden stands out with 47 tackles, making him third on the team, alongside an interception in a recent overtime victory against Tennessee. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised Bolden’s emergence as a leader within the secondary this season.

“His biggest growth this year is in being in a room where he has to step up to the forefront and be a leader and communicate more,” Smart explained. He noted that Bolden has transitioned from relying on others for communication to becoming the primary communicator in the defensive backfield.

Reflecting on his development, Bolden highlighted improvements in communication and play recognition. “I’m starting to see what to look at more,” he noted. His enhanced ability to assess whether plays are runs or passes demonstrates a significant leap from his freshman year. Previously focused on individual performance, Bolden now actively assists teammates in getting lined up correctly.

Bolden joined Georgia as a highly regarded five-star recruit from Buford High School, where he won a state championship as a sophomore. His impact on the Bulldogs’ secondary has been palpable. Georgia tight end Oscar Delp characterized Bolden as a “firecracker” who makes big plays and rallies the defense effectively.

In his first year at Georgia, Bolden started two games and played a crucial role in all 14, finishing fifth on the team with 59 tackles. He also recorded his first career interception against Mississippi State and earned recognition on the SEC All-Freshman Team and several Freshman All-America lists.

During his tenure at Buford, Bolden excelled not only as a safety but also as a standout receiver, catching 30 passes for 663 yards and 14 touchdowns in his junior year. Initially, he had aspirations of playing offense in college, but the focus of his school’s program shifted towards defense, prompting him to adapt.

When asked about his most memorable football moment, Bolden pointed to last season’s SEC Championship Game, where he made a significant stop that helped secure a victory against Texas. “Making a big-time stop in overtime and then the offense gets the ball and scores to win it all was a special moment,” he said, reflecting on the thrill of that experience.

As the season progresses, KJ Bolden continues to make an impact on the field, with expectations for more significant plays ahead as Georgia aims for continued success.