Former Seminole Ends Up As Only HBCU Player Selected In 2023 NFL Draft

Deion Sanders wasn't happy following the 2023 NFL Draft after only one player from the pool of HBCU programs was selected during the course of the weekend. It took until the final round when the New England Patriots were on the clock with the No. 245 overall pick.

Interestingly enough, that player - Jackson State cornerback Isaiah Bolden - has ties to Florida State.

Love you coach I know what to do https://t.co/TOt0QaqMqV
— I.B (@isaiahbolden23) April 30, 2023

Bolden originally signed with Florida State as a four-star prospect in the 2018 class. He redshirted during his first year with the program and only appeared in one game in reserve duty against Samford. Bolden's role expanded in 2019 as he appeared in all 13 games while making his first career start against Arizona State in the Sun Bowl.

The Florida native ende up recording ten tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups while contributing as a returner on special teams. Bolden returned six kickoffs for 156 yards and one punt for seven yards. He pulled down an interception in the season-opener against Boise State and returned a kickoff 41 yards against Boston College.

After sticking with the program after Mike Norvell replaced Willie Taggart, Bolden was converted to wide receiver. He chose to enter the Transfer Portal shortly after Florida State's season-opening loss to Georgia Tech in 2020. It didn't take long for Bolden to join Deion Sanders at Jackson State.

Bolden spent much of his first two seasons contributing on special teams. He returned 16 kicks for 591 yards and two touchdowns in 2021, leading the NCAA with an average of 36.9 yards per return.

In 2022, Bolden earned extensive playing time in the defensive backfield and turned it into his most productive season yet. He recorded 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. That included a career-high nine tackles and one tackle for loss against Alabama State.

His ability to contribute on defense and on special teams will be coveted at the professional level, especially by a franchise such as New England. Bolden could make an instant impact as a returner with his blend of speed and vision.

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