Isaiah Bolden, a former Wesley Chapel High School Football player and record holding track star who graduated in 2018, has declared for the NFL draft and is looking to further his success on the biggest of stages. Bolden originally committed to Florida State University, coming out of high school with a 4 star rating, but later entered the transfer portal in 2020. Bolden moved to Jackson State University to play for new JSU head coach and former NFL Defensive Back, Deion Sanders, and saw true prosperity under the new leadership.

Bolden is no stranger to success, having led the entire nation in kickoff returns, with an average of 36.9 yards per return attempt, including a 93 yard return touchdown against Prairie View. Not only is he an accomplished kick returner, but he is also both a Cornerback and a Defensive Back, the former of which is where he sees the most success. “During the 2022 season, Bolden had 44 tackles (30 solo), with 2.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and seven pass breakups…” reports hbcugameday.com, exemplifying Bolden’s defensive prowess. Such a performance led Bolden to be named second team Cornerback on the All-Southwestern Conference Team and received an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

A NFLPA Collegiate Bowl invite is nothing to scoff at, the event is an elite postseason all star game, with only the nation’s top NFL draft prospects getting a spot. NFL legends and Hall of Famers coach the teams and allow these coveted players to show what they’re made of in one last collegiate showcase before the NFL draft.

Bolden’s future is not certain, he is projected to be drafted as early as the 5th round, but such a prediction remains foggy as many NFL teams search for their next star player. There is one thing for sure though, Bolden has made his former community proud with his stand out performances, and everyone will be watching and waiting to see where his hard work and dedication takes him next.