USC football: Nation's No. 2 prospect says 'USC is a place I could see myself at'

KJ Bolden projects as an elite safety at the collegiate level, but is such a special athlete that he could also contribute on the offensive side of the ball

Story by Andrew Nemec of SBLive Sports

The spring is a busy time for top high school football prospects to take visits and to whittle down their options.

For Buford (Georgia) five-star athlete KJ Bolden, the nation's No. 2 overall prospect, that process takes time, as he has accumulated nearly 40 scholarship offers.

With trips to Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn and Florida State planned for March, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound athlete has also scheduled a West Coast swing to visit USC on April 15 and Oregon on April 29.

Both visit dates will allow Bolden to take in each program's respective spring game.

First up is the Trojans, a program Bolden said is a viable threat to eventually land him.

"USC is a place I could see myself at," he said. "I like coach (Lincoln) Riley and what they have going on at USC. USC gets a visit because they have my attention and I’m curious to see what they are all about and see if I think they would be a great fit for me." 

Bolden projects as an elite safety at the collegiate level, but is such a special athlete that he could also contribute on the offensive side of the ball.

Here's what 247Sports had to say, in part, about Bolden as a prospect:

"A difference-maker on both sides of the ball that is known for his elite foot speed. ... Has been utilized as both a wide receiver and safety early on in prep career. More than capable of producing big gains whether that be via deep shots or quick screens/jet sweeps, but ceiling seems like it might ultimately be highest somewhere in the secondary given how he reads and reacts to what’s going on in front of him. Is quick to trigger and is always taking the right angles as he gets to his assignment. Does a nice job of putting his hip on a tight end or wideout and will fight through arms to make a play at the catch point. Understands how to highpoint a ball and doesn’t struggle to track the ball once it's in the air. Also isn’t one to shy away from contact and will lower his shoulder pad when needed. ...Likely to emerge as a safety that’s versatile enough to play center field on some downs, but can also get the job done in 1-on-1 coverage situations on others while also providing some value as a blitzer from time to time."