Player comparison

KJ Bolden

Dean Kindig

5 solos, 1 asst in Bills-scouted game vs 'Bama. Starks' replacement immediately impacted Georgia's defense as a 2024 true freshman, All-SEC honors in 2025. Noted for his range, high football IQ, trigger. Covers so much ground, and an exceptional open field tackler. Sparks: "Despite an undersized frame, he's a true center‑fielder with excellent ball skills in both man and zone, consistently playing bigger than he measures. He diagnoses routes early, triggers with confidence, and has that rare ability to stay calm and track the ball like a wideout. Whether he's matching vertically, squeezing space from depth, or baiting throws from the post, Bolden's instincts and finishing ability make him one of the most complete playmakers in the country."

Derrick Barksdale

Dean Kindig

Great closing speed in the twit. Officially transferred to the UCLA Bruins for the upcoming 2026 college football season. A 5-foot-9, 181-pound native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, he spent three seasons at James Madison, developing into a full-time starter under head coach Bob Chesney. During a stellar 2025 junior campaign with the Dukes, Barksdale earned All-Sun Belt conference honors after registering 36 tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high 12 pass breakups.