Joe Bolden Under Armour Game Highlights
A huge thanks to Josh (aka MaizeNBlueJ) for compiling these highlights of 2012 commit Joe Bolden from the Under Armour All-America Game. Bolden, as you can see, was pretty much everywhere on the field, and though he had some issues corraling players to the ground (not normally an issue for him—his tackling earned high praise in high school and at the UA practices), his ability to diagnose plays appears to be quite strong:
Bolden, who was named a captain for the game, had seven tackles and was named as the Under Armour Game week's "Best Tackler" by Rivals ($).
January 7th, 2012 at 12:29 PM ^
". . .though he had some issues corraling players to the ground . . ."
Glad to see this said, honestly. When I said something similar in another thread, it got flagged as flamebait, but it does seem from the UA game that getting his head accross the body of runners and fully wrapping up is one big area where he will need some work this spring.
I think it will be interesting to compare his play to James Ross this afternoon. Usually, opponent quality disparities makes comparing recruits nearly impossible. But these All-Star games should provide a base level of talent that provides some much-neeeded context for evaluations.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:38 PM ^
Bolden was actually one of the first to admit he didn't have his best game tackling:
#Smh missed to many tackles!
— Joe Bolden (@JBolden_007) January 6, 2012
In fairness to him, I doubt high school games or even the bowl practices could really prepare him for trying to tackle Keith Marshall at game speed. I would still consider tackling one of his stronger attributes.
January 7th, 2012 at 1:21 PM ^
*too
January 7th, 2012 at 12:57 PM ^
I think tackling is sonmething pretty much all freshmen need to work on when they hit campus. The college game is just so much faster (that includes prospects in the UA game), and Bolden had a tough time dealing with that. The good news is he is an EE, and will have more than enough time to get his tackling up to a good level (probably comparable to Desmond Morgan). Couple that with his natural instincts (superb), and I honestly think he starts right away at WLB.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:33 PM ^
But I like the coaches doing the teacing for this work....and having him enrolled for spring ball will give him a good head start.
Looking forward to seeing how this class develops over the years ...
January 7th, 2012 at 12:36 PM ^
games. Do these guys play at full speed and power? Or, do they tend to back off a bit like in the Pro Bowl to mitigate the potential for injury? It seemed to me that Bolden wasn't the only one who was not fully wrapping up or taking big shots when he had the chance.
January 7th, 2012 at 1:24 PM ^
They don't go 100% all the time. They kind of pick and choose their spots, which is understandable, I guess. I think a lot of people - players, coaches, and fans - keep their fingers crossed during these games that nobody gets injured.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:37 PM ^
Looks like a solid player, still going to be tough to emerge in a class thats stocked with LB talent. lets see how James Ross does today!
January 7th, 2012 at 12:39 PM ^
can be taught - the fact that he has a nose for the ball and is in position to make the tackle is instinctual. This kid is going to be good.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:39 PM ^
He has a good feel for the game, can't teach that. He can work on his form...he's gonna be a good one.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:40 PM ^
thanks, ace. one quick suggestion would be for you to start your thread titles with an "ACE:". yes, youre that important.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:43 PM ^
Ha, thank you. I usually do that, but forgot to on this thread.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:41 PM ^
You can take what you want from the game, but for me the week of practice is what's impressive. He was named a captain and best tackler by Rivals
January 7th, 2012 at 12:46 PM ^
What an intense player! He gets to the ball and makes plays. His tackling will get even better with a Michigan swarming defense. It's obvious to me that he loves football.
He reminds me of Chris Spielman.
Go Blue!
January 7th, 2012 at 12:45 PM ^
He definitely can diagnose a play. In terms of tackling, I wonder if his pursuit angles are a degree or two off due to the level of competition. I mean Colerain plays a good schedule, but I'm guessing that a large percentage of the skill position players don't have UA game speed. I bet as he gets accustomed to D-I ball those angles will improve.
January 7th, 2012 at 12:51 PM ^
Needs more flow.
January 7th, 2012 at 1:07 PM ^
Great decision making and good attitude. A perfect fit for Michigan.
January 7th, 2012 at 1:16 PM ^
he looked really good there. The fact that he's able to be in on that many plays against a ton of the best high school players in the country bodes well for his future I think. Here's to Mattison turning him into a linebacking machine
January 7th, 2012 at 1:49 PM ^
which is a positive from this video. My hope is that he wasn't going full speed and thats why he wasn't getting in position to make more definitive tackles.
nice job on the highlights.
January 7th, 2012 at 2:17 PM ^
I think it's possible we have another talented freshman linebacker ala Ryan and to a lesser extent Morgan (who did improve throughout the course of the season). Hopefully with another year of experience and the talent we have coming in the linebacking corps will be able to minimize the losses at D-line (sighing sadly thinking about the departure of VanBergen and Martin). Let's hope Clark, BWC, Brink, etc... become consistent as those two.
January 7th, 2012 at 2:34 PM ^
Is therey any chance Michigan switches to a 4-4 defense or something in the future?
January 7th, 2012 at 3:17 PM ^
A 4-4? Highly unlikely, but Michigan can do a lot with these LBs in the current 4-3 under scheme.
January 7th, 2012 at 3:12 PM ^
I am glad to see his skill.. he removes himself from the spot for half a second to assess the play and find where the ball is going, and then chases it down. He's a ball hawk!
January 7th, 2012 at 3:16 PM ^
He will be great behind a strong defensive line....Looking at you Pipkens. Also, playing along side what seem to be the more physical Stone and Ross, he should have room to roam around. He looks great at getting to the ball and disecting plays....a key for a good linebacker.
He does not look like the physical block shedding blizting blow up the line of scrimmage type. I am sure Mattison will get the best out of all these guys.
January 7th, 2012 at 3:42 PM ^
Joe Bolden plays like his hair's on fire. My favorite part.