by Bill Seals
As one of two Power-5 offers so far for a Class of 2018 athlete from the south, Iowa State certainly has the junior’s attention.
West Monroe (La.) standout Slade Bolden earned an offer from the Cyclones over the winter and said his recruitment has continued to pick up into his 2016 season.
“Iowa State was actually my sixth offer and I received it shortly after (2016) signing day when coaches started focusing on 2017 and 2018 recruits,” said Bolden, who plays quarterback for his high school team.
“Coach Lou Ayeni came down to our school one day and talked to me, Tre Coleman and Dennis Collins. It didn’t take long for him to say they were going to extend an offer to me. I was very excited and it was one of my best offers for sure.”
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Bolden said he hears frequently from Ayeni, who is trying to sell him on what his future role would be in the I-State program.
“Coach Ayeni is contacting me a lot, as well as a few other coaches from the staff,” Bolden said. “He wants me to be able to come up there to experience a game-like feel. That’s his main goal. He knows where he wants to put me and has an idea of where I would play if I go there. That would be an H-Back, split back, slot, outside receiver – just a versatile player that can do a lot of things.”
However, Bolden said it might not be until next year that he makes it to campus.
“Because of the distance it would be really hard to make an unofficial, but I would like to have an official visit when I have time,” Bolden said. “I know it’s an awesome place, based on what he’s said. He’s been here twice and has sent me plenty of videos. I’m very interested in Iowa State and it’s one of my two biggest schools I have received offers from. I’m keeping them in mind.”
ISU has also taken its shot with a pair of other West Monroe Class of 2017 standouts, but struck out with both of them as Tre Coleman committed to Tennessee and Dennis Coleman to TCU.
In addition to the one he received from the Cyclones over the winter, Bolden has offers from Washington, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas-San Antonio.
The junior is also considering being a two-sport athlete in college, which further complicates his recruiting situation to this point.
“Right now I’m not 100 percent for sure,” Bolden said. “I’m just seeing who shows the most interest. I also have another sport, which is baseball. I’ll probably narrow it down after my junior year, seeing where I have the best fit and what’s good for me.”
As one of two Power-5 offers so far for a Class of 2018 athlete from the south, Iowa State certainly has the junior’s attention.
West Monroe (La.) standout Slade Bolden earned an offer from the Cyclones over the winter and said his recruitment has continued to pick up into his 2016 season.
“Iowa State was actually my sixth offer and I received it shortly after (2016) signing day when coaches started focusing on 2017 and 2018 recruits,” said Bolden, who plays quarterback for his high school team.
“Coach Lou Ayeni came down to our school one day and talked to me, Tre Coleman and Dennis Collins. It didn’t take long for him to say they were going to extend an offer to me. I was very excited and it was one of my best offers for sure.”
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Bolden said he hears frequently from Ayeni, who is trying to sell him on what his future role would be in the I-State program.
“Coach Ayeni is contacting me a lot, as well as a few other coaches from the staff,” Bolden said. “He wants me to be able to come up there to experience a game-like feel. That’s his main goal. He knows where he wants to put me and has an idea of where I would play if I go there. That would be an H-Back, split back, slot, outside receiver – just a versatile player that can do a lot of things.”
However, Bolden said it might not be until next year that he makes it to campus.
“Because of the distance it would be really hard to make an unofficial, but I would like to have an official visit when I have time,” Bolden said. “I know it’s an awesome place, based on what he’s said. He’s been here twice and has sent me plenty of videos. I’m very interested in Iowa State and it’s one of my two biggest schools I have received offers from. I’m keeping them in mind.”
ISU has also taken its shot with a pair of other West Monroe Class of 2017 standouts, but struck out with both of them as Tre Coleman committed to Tennessee and Dennis Coleman to TCU.
In addition to the one he received from the Cyclones over the winter, Bolden has offers from Washington, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas-San Antonio.
The junior is also considering being a two-sport athlete in college, which further complicates his recruiting situation to this point.
“Right now I’m not 100 percent for sure,” Bolden said. “I’m just seeing who shows the most interest. I also have another sport, which is baseball. I’ll probably narrow it down after my junior year, seeing where I have the best fit and what’s good for me.”
