It’s a well known fact that Miami’s defense has been one of the top units in the country over the last 4 seasons. With talented players at every level, the Canes have a wealth of players who make plays, and an aggressive scheme that utilizes their talents to great success.

A big part of Miami’s defensive success in 2020 will be Safety Bubba Bolden. After starting his college career at USC, Bolden transferred to Miami in 2019 after sitting out the previous season due to an off-the-field incident. He also had to sit a few games to start the season to complete his full-year of sitting out, but then he got on the field and was an impact player for Miami.

In 6 games for the Canes in 2019, Bolden had 15 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. It was after that interception in the Pitt game that Bolden landed awkwardly after celebrating the play, breaking his ankle and ending his season. And while some may scoff at those numbers, remember that Miami’s DL and LBs had the vast majority of the tackles last year, and Bolden creating 3 turnovers in that short amount of time is very impressive.

One of 3 players who starred in HS together at Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman (QB Tate Martell and TE Brevin Jordan being the others), Bolden has prototypical size and speed for the Safety position. At 6’3” 200lbs, Bolden has the size to be a factor in the run game, the height to affect the passing game, and the physical gifts to get anywhere on the field in a hurry.

In 2020, Bolden goes from new player trying to fit in to star player looking to stand out. He, along with fellow safeties Amari Carter and Gurvan Hall Jr., form one of the most talented trios at that position you’ll find anywhere in America. And, as Marsh noted in the piece linked above, Bolden flashed star potential in a short time last year.

Fully recovered from his injury, fully settled in Miami heading into his second year, and fully prepared to use his physical talents to the best of his ability, Bolden will have every chance to step into a huge starring role full-time for the Canes’ defense.

Expect Bolden to start at Safety this season, and continue to prove that he is a perfect fit for Miami’s defensive scheme, making plays all over the field and creating turnovers at a high rate. He’s bigger, faster, and stronger than a year ago, and I’m sure he’s anxious to get back on the field and continue to show the kind of ability we only caught glimpses of last year.

Go Canes