Background and career
Khalil Ja’Qua Bolden (born February 18, 2006) is an American college football safety for the Georgia Bulldogs of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Bolden grew up in Buford, Georgia. When he was 10 years old, his father Kai was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and money laundering following a Department of Justice investigation dubbed "Operation High Rollers". He was released in 2023 after serving six years. Bolden attended Buford High School where he played football and ran track. A two-way player at wide receiver and safety, Bolden was a two time all-state selection in football and was named the Georgia Region 8-7A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He was selected to All-American Bowl in 2024. A five star prospect ranked the #1 safety recruit in his class, Bolden originally committed to play college football at Florida State before flipping to the University of Georgia on national signing day.
In his collegiate debut, Bolden recorded four tackles on 49 snaps, the most snaps of any Georgia defender, as the Bulldogs defeated Clemson 34–3.
