Interview: 3-Star 2020 California ATH Silas Bolden Talks Official Visits and Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The best jumping off point with Class of 2020 talent Silas Bolden is to list off what he cannot do on the gridiron as a skill player – that list seems to have little if nothing on there making a quick jump to all his superlatives. Bolden had a breakout season as a junior with Rancho Cucamonga earning three-star recruiting status and is taking his game to a whole other level in 2019 giving college coaches across the country a lot to think about on the recruiting trail.
Bolden is not the average shifty receiver with speed; he has blazing speed clocked at a 10.6 in the 100 meters. He put the God given abilities to great use in 2018 hauling in 45 passes for 572 yards with four trips into the end zone and carried the pigskin nine times for 48 more yards. On special teams, Bolden took back three punts for 77 yards and four kicks for 65 more racking up five total touchdowns with two two-point conversions on the season. The work for the 5-9, 150-pound, game changer has led to eight total offers to date coming from Army, Idaho, Hawaii, Northern Arizona, Oregon State, Sacramento State, San Jose State, and Utah State.
Three games into the new season, Bolden is showing his skillset at running back, receiver, and corner. The Cougars have handed the ball off to him 17 times so far with 203 yards and two touchdowns to show for it. He has snagged 10 passes for 110 yards with another trip into the end zone and has already picked off a pass with a couple of tackles.
To learn about the many things Bolden does so well on the field, we sat down for a great conversation talking football with a recruiting briefing.
Interview
Silas, your talents to change the flow of the game were on full display during your junior season. You’ve taken the play-making label to another level carrying the rock for the Cougars this season. How is that part of your game coming along?
“It has always been a natural ability. I played running back when I was younger. It is natural for me being back there. It is back to my roots playing running back some this season. I am having fun running the ball.”
You are a lethal target in the passing game, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in that part of your game early on in the 2019 season?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements with my speed and getting out of my breaks. I am getting open way easier than last year. I just used my speed last year to get open, but now I am breaking down more and getting out of my breaks faster making it a lot easier to get open.”
Speed is such a big part of your game, what is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
My fastest track time is a 10.6 in the 100.”
Nice. The Cougars are three games into the season, of the three, which has been your best game so far and why?
“My best was probably the Calabasas and Roosevelt games. Calabasas was probably better. In our first game I did not play defense. The Calabasas game was my first game playing defense. I had a pick and scored twice in the Calabasas game. They called one back too, a 96-yard touchdown.”
Oh man. That’s no good. Is there an area of your game that might get overlooked because it does not show up in the stat column?
“Yes. My ability to go up and get the ball. Because of my height, many may think I can’t go up and get it, but I have good hops.”
As mentioned, you are getting time in on defense this season already pulling down a pick. That fight you have as a receiver going for extra yards, you are really showcasing the dog in you on defense. How is that part of your game coming along?
“I feel like playing defense is second nature. Playing receiver, it is easier for me playing defense. You know what the receivers are going to do and you know where the ball will be. It is easy to get picks and strips. If you play receiver, you should at least try to play defensive back to see if you like it.”
Where all are you lining up in the Cougars’ secondary?
“I have been at corner, but I might play some safety going forward.”
Are college coaches responding to your play on defense yet?
“Schools that have offered me have noticed, but I am not being recruited as a defensive back yet. In college, I don’t care where I play, I just want to play.”
Going to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Cal and UNLV.”
How many offers are you sitting on now?
“I have eight offers.”
Did you visit any schools over the offseason?
“Yes. I visited Oregon State and Utah State.”
How did the Oregon State visit go?
“It was good. My brother went there; it was like going back home. They have a lot of new stuff and new coaches; it was cool to see all of that. I liked it. They showed me around, I tried on the uniform; that was fun.”
And the Utah State trip?
“It was good. I was up there for a Junior Day. I got there late because of our flight. I got a one-on-one tour with Coach (Jason) Phillips (WR) and met with Coach (TJ) Woods (OL). I liked it. They are down to earth at Utah State. That is a place I can see myself, just like at Oregon State. It was a cool visit.”
Are there any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am taking an official to San Jose and to Oregon State on Oct. 12 for the Utah game.”
That will be fun. Last question for you. What is Silas Bolden like off the field?
“I’m not a talker. I am shy unless I know you. I listen to music and play video games, typical teenager stuff.”
Silas, it was fun mixing it up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Cougars success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bolden family; Silas Bolden at Oregon State