LSU fan turns Bama commitment
August promo- Get 6-months free when you sign up today!
Don't Miss! Cameron Latu commits to Alabama!
Slade Bolden, three-star athlete from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, committed to the University of Alabama on Thursday. He goes in-depth with BamaInsider about his decision.
"A lot of things led me to my decision," Bolden said. "Making the trip there (Tuscaloosa) was beyond awesome. It was a great experience. I didn't know how great it was going to be. It blew me away.
"The coaches were all great. You never want to commit to a coaching staff, but I know at a school like that coaches d0n't want to go anywhere. I felt very comfortable being there. I know I will be able to fit in the offense. I know what Coach Daboll wants to do with me. They have a great, planned out future for me. I felt needed and wanted."
Alabama offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has been around some talented playmakers especially in New England with stars like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. A few players Bolden has similar characteristics.
"I talked to Coach Daboll on the phone countless times," he said. "I think he is used to being around guys my stature. He knows how to use guys of my stature. He sees that and knows what to do with guys like me.
"I am not at the same level as guys he has coached, but it's nice to be in same sentence. He knows what he can do with me. He has a great scheme and great plan."
The 5-foot-11.5, 195-pound athlete did not envision his future in Tuscaloosa until recently. He grew up a fan of the LSU Tigers. A program which has become a heated rival against Alabama. Alabama has defeated LSU six times in a row, and has reeled in top commitments from the Pelican State.
"No, I never thought I would be committed to Alabama," Bolden said. "Growing up in Louisiana, obviously an LSU fan. I never hated a team. I rooted for LSU. I never would have thought any of this would come.
"I never thought I would get offered by any SEC school. I didn't think schools would give me a chance because of size and different attributes. I have thought about it being an awesome dream to play for them. It crossed my mind. In the last few weeks I realized I can play at the highest level.
"My family has always rooted for LSU. We tend to root for teams in Louisiana. We always felt good about Alabama especially when they offered, and treated us the way they did while we visited.
"We were feeling Alabama after the visit. I still wanted to visit TCU one last time and see what they had to offer. I really liked TCU. They have a great staff and school. I just felt more at home at Alabama. My family is 100-percent in agreement with me."
So which position will Bolden play in Tuscaloosa? He runs a sub 4.5-40 yard dash. He is a three year starter for his high school and has played just about every skill position on the field.
"I feel like I will mostly be playing in the slot," he said. "I am very quick to play in the slot. I can shift. I can get open. I have good hands. I am not afraid to get hit or catch the ball in traffic. I feel like I am a smart player. I know I can find the hole in the defense on option routes. I can go back to running back and find holes to run through the defense. I just feel more comfortable at the slot position."
Bolden plans to only take an official visit Alabama. He is a 4.0 student and National Honors Society member. He is an All-State performer in football and baseball.