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| Joe Bolden |
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 222 lbs.
High school: Cincinnati (OH) Colerain
Position: Linebacker
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #35
Last year: I ranked Bolden #46 and said he would be a backup middle linebacker. He had 31 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery.
Bolden was indeed the backup to the now departed Kenny Demens last season, and Bolden even appeared to steal some snaps from Demens against teams like option-oriented Air Force. Bolden did a good job, especially for a true freshman linebacker. That's not normally a spot where a freshman can be successful, and he did have a few struggles, but mostly he showed that he has a pretty solid future.
While Bolden looks like a future high-quality starter at MIKE, he seems to be planted behind junior Desmond Morgan for the upcoming season. Morgan was the starter at WILL last season, but is a more natural fit in the middle now that Demens graduated. Bolden's presence does allow for some flexibility; sophomore WILL linebacker James Ross will start there, but Morgan could bump back over to the weakside if there's an injury and Bolden could step in to start at MIKE. I also think Bolden could fit at SAM linebacker if needed. He's in a slightly unfortunate spot of being the classmate of a future star (Ross) and a class behind some established starters (Morgan, Jake Ryan). When he does get a chance to start full-time at some point, I think Michigan fans will be pleased.
Prediction: Backup middle linebacker
I think Bolden will be this year's surprise starter week 1. Each year under Hoke there seems to be surprise when they trot out week 1. Morgan got a lot of press for making the switch to MIKE and no one really talked about Bolden. I think he comes into camp with a chip on his shoulder and takes over the starting spot. Also having Morgan as the 3rd inside backer I think helps more because he can rotate in at both spots. Where Bolden seems more of a true mike and Ross a true will.
ReplyDeleteNot seeing him push for a starting spot yet. I kept an eye on Bolden during the spring game and observed that he is still slower than Ross and Morgan in his initial reads. I know he is young and all but there was a freshman walk-on (Liesman) who was reacting more quickly after the snap. Bolden will need to get over that to be a good starter. I am hoping that McCray and Gedeon come in and adapt early, because that would allow the coaches to experiment with Bolden at Sam. Bolden has the makings of a good blitzer and I think he would be a better player with simplified reads.
DeleteThe idea crossed my mind too, but I doubt it happens in week 1. Morgan has shown nice development, so Bolden would really have to elevate his game to push into a starting role. I think it's more likely that he rotates in frequently. It probably doesn't matter who starts as much as who gets the bulk of snaps.
DeleteI really doubt that will be the case. Not only is Morgan a two year starter but the coaches really like him, he's a very good leader, and replacing him would mean having three brand new starters at linebacker.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued, but not exactly in disagreement, over Glanda not being ranked yet. I know you had him in the 30s last year, and I'm curious why you've given him even more importance this year?
ReplyDeleteAs for Bolden, He's in a tough spot trapped behind Morgan. He'll just be all the more ready to take over as a senior... as long as he fends off Ferns.
There will be injuries - there always are. I expect him to get plenty of playing time as the "4th LB" this year and next.
DeleteGood spot for Bolden - a top flight young backup who will play meaningful snaps as part of a rotation. His role (along with James Ross) should expand with Demens gone. I agree that he is the 4th LB and therefore the top backup at both WLB and MLB. I also agree that Bolden would be an option at SAM if injuries strike (though I'm pretty sure you've previously argued otherwise Thunder, on the basis of size). Regardless - I think you nailed this one.
ReplyDeleteMy guess for #29 is Dileo
ReplyDelete