Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘Unfinished business’: Bolden to return in ’21
Miami Hurricanes redshirt junior safety Bubba Bolden announced on Tuesday he will return to UM for the 2021 season.
“My brothers and I have some unfinished business to handle next season,” Bolden said in a video released on his Twitter account. “Therefore, I am excited to announce that I will return to the University of Miami for my senior year.”
Bolden led the Hurricanes with 74 tackles this past season. He added four forced fumbles, an interception, a sack, three pass breakups and blocked two kicks. Twice, he was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week after games against Louisville and Clemson.
It was a breakout season for Bolden after barely playing in 2019 between his wait to be granted eligibility off his transfer from Southern Cal and an ankle injury. Nonetheless, he is not among the top 10 safeties eligible for the 2021 NFL draft, according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
“I have never been satisfied with not being the best,” Bolden said in the video. “My college journey has been filled with highs and lows, and I continue to be committed to the pursuit of greatness. I am by no means a finished a product. I have many areas of development and improvement.”
Bolden joins redshirt senior quarterback D’Eriq King and junior running back Cam’Ron Harris as Miami players to announce a return for the 2021 season. Junior tight end Will Mallory also indicated to reporters ahead of last week's Cheez-It Bowl loss to Oklahoma State that he plans on returning next season, as well as 2022, in all likelihood.
Since the 2020 season was played amid the coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA is not counting it against eligibility for college football players, so seniors have an option to return next season.
The Hurricanes still await decisions from several key players, including junior tight end Brevin Jordan, senior wide receiver Michael Harley and junior defensive tackle Nesta Silvera.
Already declared for the 2021 NFL draft are defensive ends Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche and kicker Jose Borregales. Defensive end Gregory Rousseau is also in the draft after opting out of the 2020 season from the start.
Bolden's return could mean Miami brings a deep safety unit back in 2021. If senior Amari Carter and junior Gurvan Hall also come back, the Hurricanes have a talented group of freshmen with Avantae Williams, Brian Balom, Jalen Harrell and Keshawn Washington. Miami has touted incoming recruits at safety in fivestar American Heritage product James Williams and four-star prospect Kamren Kinchens, from Miami Northwestern.
Despite all the players returning at the position, the assistant coach in charge of the unit is moving on. Safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator Ephraim Banda has accepted the role as Utah State's defensive coordinator, according to a source and multiple media reports.