Signing Day Capsule: Joe Bolden

Joe Bolden is the sixth commitment in the Wolverines 2012 recruiting class. Get up to date on his recruitment and learn more about this heat-seeking missile of a tackler and why he chose the Wolverines.

Joe Bolden
Outside Line Backer 6-3/230
Colerain HS (Cincinnati, OH)
NR: **** - Position Rank: 4

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His Recruiting Story
To say he plays with his hair on-fire would be an understatement. Bolden is a player who Colerain counted on as a team leader. Not only did Joe provide field management, he also laid the wood on many an opponent. During his sophomore year he recorded 64 tackles while forcing four fumbles and tallying four sacks. While considered too small by Ohio State and Notre Dame, Michigan began showing interest. Bolden has proven all those misconceptions and naysayers wrong over the past two years. He followed up his sophomore campaign with an excellent junior season, and a senior outing that saw him named to the Butkus award watch list. He was also named to the ESPN Under Armour all-star game where he earned his way on the field as a starter. Joe is also an exceptional student boasting a 3.9 GPA, and is one of three early enrollees for Michigan. Prior to accepting the Wolverine offer he also had 22 others including Tennessee, Penn State, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Stanford.

His Commitment Comments
“I’m going from one school full of tradition to the next,” said Bolden. “It’s something special and not everyone gets offered by Michigan and I know that I’m blessed.”

GoBlueWolverine Commentary
Joe does not suffer from what often ails a defensive player – over thinking. He plays very instinctively, takes excellent angles and shows the athleticism, speed, and agility to play sideline to sideline. He is a tough tackler and we often hear the term “throwback” used in description of his play because he plays relentless, and hardnosed on every snap. He’ll have to add some weight, being an early enrollee will help, and he may see the field as a true freshman based on the fact Mattison plays his defenders if they are game ready. He's a great tackler and a big hitter that likes contact. He'll have to adjust to taking on bigger, stronger blockers at the college level, but he's a tough kid that won't shy away from it. In coverage, he does a nice job dropping into zones and shows good ball skills. - Allen Trieu.