|
CB/KR, 5'11, 190, 4.36, 280 BP
Dothan, AL
Nickname: Bubba
Birthday: 5-21-81
High School: Dothan
HS Mascot: Tigers
HS Coach: Jimmy Addison
HS Position: QB/RB/DB/KR
HS Number: 2
AL Number: 3 or 25
Official Visits: Alabama
Second Choice: Florida
Host During Alabama Visit: Tony Dixon
Committed: 1-3-99
Academic Status: Qualified
Stats
HS Junior Season
Passing
Rushing
HS Senior Season
Receptions
- 12 receptions
- 210 yards
- 5 TDs
Rushing
- 87 carries
- 940 yards
- 10.8 yards per carry
- 5 TDs
Honors
- All-State
- Tampa Tribune National Top 100
- Atlanta Journal Southern Top 100
- Two-time All-Wiregrass
- Team Captain
- Tuscaloosa News Sweet 16
- USA Today All American
- Pigskin Preps Super South 75
- Forrest Davis All South
- SuperPrep All American
- Prep Star All American
SBR Scouting Report
Excellent quickness and speed. Runs well after the catch. Used in a variety of formations and appeared to be comfortable running routes from the left or right side of the field. Has many of the physical attributes desired in a cornerback. Projects as a cornerback or wide receiver.
[Observation: live.]
Stories
He Was Headed to Auburn
A year ago, Hirchel Bolden didn't like Alabama.
"I grew up an Auburn fan. I wanted to play for Terry Bowden."
But last fall Bolden's feelings changed.
"I visited Tuscaloosa for Alabama's game against Florida. Tuscaloosa was different than I thought. I loved it up there."
Three weeks later Terry Bowden resigned as Auburn's head coach.
"It surprised me when he left. I didn't know what to think."
Then came Auburn's hiring of Tommy Tuberville.
"After I met with the new coaching staff, I decided that Auburn wasn't the place for me."
The place for him was Alabama.
"I never saw myself going to Alabama. But now I'm really excited about going there."
Mom Knows Best
Mom always knows best. Just ask Hirchel Bolden.
"She wanted me to go to Alabama because of Coach Rouzie," Bolden says. "She fell in love with him from the first day because he was so honest."
SBR
Bolden |
Bolden's lifelong dream was to play running back. But Rouzie told him that Alabama needed him at cornerback.
"It really bothered me at first because I've always seen myself running the ball," Bolden says. "Auburn was telling me that I'd play a running back for them."
But things changed when other schools told Bolden that his future was on defense.
"FSU and Florida recruited me as a cornerback," Bolden says. "I realized then that playing corner will be in my best interest."
And so will playing for Alabama. Just ask mom.
Bolden Runs Past Panama City Bay
Dothan quarterback Hirchel Bolden was rolling left on the option when the defensive end cut him off in the backfield.
"My first instinct was to stop cold in my tracks," recalls Bolden. "When I did, he over ran me."
Bolden quickly cut inside and headed towards the goal line.
"All I had to do was out run everybody."
The 65-yard touchdown run came on the game's first play and set the tone for the rest of the night as Bolden ran over and around Panama City Bay for 241 yards and four touchdowns. He had runs of 65, 55, 25, and 3 yards.
And Dothan rolled to a 45-35 victory.
Q&A
TI: Hirchel, since you primarily played on offense in high school, are you concerned about making the adjustment to defense?
HB: It's been a while since I've done it fulltime, but I played in the secondary in the big games and in crucial situations. I'm already studying Alabama's coverages. I've got a pretty good understanding of what my responsibilities will be. Now it's just a matter of getting in some work.
TI: When will you report to Tuscaloosa?
HB: I'm going this summer to work with the other players. I think that will help me a lot when fall practice starts.
TI: Do you expect to play next season?
HB: The coaches are saying that I've got a chance to play a good bit next season. Coach Cottrell told me that he'd like for me to return some kicks next season.
TI: Some people compare you to David Palmer. What do you think of that comparison?
HB: I don't compare myself to anyone else. But I have big-play ability.
TI: What do you think about Alabama's recruiting class?
HB: With everything I've seen, I think this recruiting class will help Alabama win a national championship. Getting guys like David Paine will make a big difference. I'm glad to be a part of such a great class.
|
