KJ Bolden’s flip from Florida State to Georgia football was a big splash for the Bulldogs’ 2024 signing class.

Landing the 5-star rated safety boosted the secondary and was notable because Bolden played at Buford High where the Bulldogs had seen recruits often get away.

So, Bolden was asked, did he expect to have as big of a role as he did in his freshman season?

“Honestly, I didn’t know,” Bolden told the Athens Banner-Herald before Georgia’s 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. “Honestly, I just came in with a great mindset. A working mindset and mentality. Opportunity kind of approached me. Going in every day trying to learn the playbook and learn from the older guys. Once the opportunity was kind of there for me, I kind of wanted to take it.”

Bolden was the second highest graded Georgia defensive player by Pro Football Focus after defensive lineman Christen Miller, who announced Monday he’s returning for a fourth Georgia season.

“There’s so much more beyond covering people, leveraging the ball, understanding the defense,” defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann said. “There’s an amount of pressure that goes into that. And there’s nothing that can simulate being out there in live games. Lights everywhere, cameras, packed stadiums. I just think his poise and his composure in those moments has grown as he’s gained experience. He’s obviously a talented individual and he’s earned the right to be out there. But he’s made some really big plays and I think he’s just a calmer demeanor.”

Perhaps no play was bigger for the 6-foot, 185-pound Bolden than his open-field tackle on running back Quintrevion Wisner for a tackle for loss in overtime in the SEC Championship win over Texas.

“The open field tackle was cool, but it was just winning the game,” he said. “The tackle was pretty phenomenal for sure, but just winning the game and getting to celebrate with my teammates was definitely the moment I dreamed of for sure.”

Bolden averaged 39.4 snaps per game, allowing Starks to play in the slot and in the box.

“His growth is crazy,” said Starks, who announced Monday as expected he’s leaving Georgia for the NFL Draft. “From when he first got here in the spring to now, he’s just continued to grow.”

Coach Kirby Smart said Bolden showed confidence in making his checks and is “extremely smart” for a player his age.

“KJ has great instincts,” Smart said. “He’s gotten more confident as a player. …He played a lot of snaps for a freshman. He continues to grow and get better. I like his humility.”

Bolden had a chance to learn from Starks, an All-American as a sophomore, and veteran safety Dan Jackson.

Bolden finished the season fifth on the Bulldogs in tackles with 59 while playing every game and starting against Florida and Tennessee. He also had an interception and two tackles for loss.

Bolden has learned from Starks, who he called a phenomenal player and great leader.

“He comes to practice every day 102 percent ready to work. He’s a great role model. You just watch Malaki, you won’t see him do one bad thing. He’s a great decision-maker. Just getting watch him every day, Dan and those type of guys, getting to play with them, it’s definitely been amazing this season.”

Starks was named a freshman All-American by On3. His interception came in the win over Mississippi State but he pointed out he had two other would be interceptions that he dropped.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Next year, I’m going to get them back.”

ATHENS — Georgia has needs. Even for a program that recruits as well as Georgia, not every 5-star player is going to end up like Malaki Starks, nor will every 3-star player …

Connor Riley