[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]Athletes that are the children of the coach usually have it harder than regular players. They are expected to know more than the other players, be a leader on the team, and be an overall better player (usually).
However, Joe Bolden (Class of 2012, Colerain HS, Ohio) has a different style and approach to this matter.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
It isn’t his parent who is the coach, it’s his uncle.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
Nevertheless, Bolden still fits the three previous characteristics I described. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
He is being heavily recruited by numerous amounts of schools, including Kentucky, Syracuse, North Carolina State, USF, North Carolina, West Virginia, Boston College, Ohio, Miami-Ohio, Cincinnati, Illinois, Stanford, and Northwestern, among others. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
However, he does not have any favorites at this time. “I’m open to any teams right now. I have no favorites,” he said. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
But he does acknowledge the teams that have shown interest in him with equal respect.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
“Every school that is interested in me and every offer I get will receive interest. I respect the coaches for taking their time to look at me, so I am going to look at them as well.”[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
Bolden recently got an offer from Kentucky, and he has his connections to the state.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]
“I am very interested in all my schools, and Kentucky is right there. I have family that lives there. I know it’s a great school, but I haven’t looked into what they really have to offer yet.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]Bolden was invited to Kentucky’s Junior Day, though.
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[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]”Junior Day was my first visit with the football team, but it was my second visit to the campus. I got my first tour of the facilities and really enjoyed my visit,” he explained.
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[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]When Bolden received his offer, he knew exactly who to call from UK.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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“When I heard about my offer, I called Coach Brown, my area recruiter. I believe we are building a great relationship thus far, and I look to do that with all the coaches that are recruiting me.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]While he did spend time with Brown on his recent visit, Bolden also got to know Linebackers Coach Chuck Smith.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]”I will start talking to Coach Smith a lot more soon. I spent some time with him on Junior Day and he really seems like a great guy.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]Teammates also accompanied Bolden to Kentucky on Junior Day. While he would love to stay with them, he says it’s not a necessity:[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]”I would love to play with them, but I’m not going to base my decision off them. It will be where each of us fit in the best. We will still be in contact, though. We are a big family.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]With the spring signing period quickly approaching, some recruits have been narrowing down their schools, in hopes of signing early. However, Bolden does not have a set timetable for his commitment. “It causes unnecessary pressure,” he explained.
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[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2]But Bolden will continue to get better and continue to thank one person for the achievements he receives: God.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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“Every offer is a blessing from God. Most don’t have the opportunities I’m getting right now. I just want to thank God for everything he has done for me.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
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Joe, you have a great head on your shoulders and with that attitude, you will achieve all your goals.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”http://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky football recruiting.
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