Bolden has local leader
Merced (Calif.) defensive back Bernard Bolden is one of the state's top safety prospects. He had a big junior season and has two early offers on the table at this time.
Bolden, 5-9, 180 pounds did a little of everything for Merced a year ago. He had 63 tackles and four picks on defense, rushed for 560 yards and nine touchdowns and returned two kicks for scores.
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The athlete earned league Def. Player of the Year, all-area and 1st team all-state underclass honors for his effort. Bolden played safety but could play some corner in college as well and his size may make that move a likely one.
On the recruiting front, Bolden is hearing from several schools and has a pair of Pac 10 offers.
"Washington State and Arizona have both offered," Bolden said. "Those came one day after the other last week. I'm also hearing from Cal, Arizona State, Boise State, Alabama, Colorado State, Connecticut, Oregon and UCLA.
"Cal is my top school right now and I also like USC, Miami, ASU, LSU and of course the schools that have offered me as well. Right now, I'm not sure what my summer plans will be but I know I'm going to the NIKE Camp at Stanford in May."