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Prince Bolden’s sophomore season marked his emergence as a starting running back in college football. After earning the starting role, he made the most of his opportunity, showcasing his toughness, versatility, and ability to contribute both as a rusher and receiver. However, despite his accomplishments, Bolden decided to enter the transfer portal in search of a better opportunity to maximize his potential. With two teams—Bowling Green and Army—expressing strong interest in him and offering him a starting role, Bolden faced a critical decision about where to continue his college football career.
Read more about Prince Bolden’s career:
Sophomore Season Recap
Bolden’s sophomore year was the season he’d been waiting for. After being a backup as a freshman, he finally got the chance to prove himself as the lead back. He finished the season with 164 carries for 566 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 3.5 yards per carry and 51.5 rushing yards per game. While his overall numbers weren’t eye-popping, they reflected his consistent contribution to the team. He was often used in tough situations, and his production was a testament to his resilience and ability to grind out yards even when defenses keyed in on him.
In addition to his work on the ground, Bolden caught 18 passes for 135 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gave him value beyond just his rushing stats. Bolden’s versatility made him a weapon in the offense, and his coaches often used him on passing downs to take advantage of his hands and ability to gain yards after the catch.
His best game came against the Houston Cougars, where he carried the ball 38 times for 157 yards and a touchdown. It was a performance that demonstrated Bolden’s ability to handle a heavy workload and make a difference in high-pressure situations. That game became the defining moment of his season, solidifying him as a reliable and durable back.
Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
Despite his success as a sophomore, Bolden felt that his current team’s offensive scheme limited his potential. The coaching staff often used him in short-yardage situations, and the offensive line struggled to open up consistent running lanes, which affected his ability to break big plays. Bolden knew that to take the next step in his career and maximize his chances of playing at the next level, he needed to find a team that could better showcase his skills.
This led him to enter the transfer portal. In today’s college football landscape, transferring has become a viable option for players looking for better opportunities, and Bolden’s decision was based on finding a program that would give him more freedom to make plays and take on a larger role in the offense. Two teams in particular—Bowling Green and Army—emerged as the most interested, both offering him a starting position.
Bowling Green: A Chance to Thrive in a Spread Offense
Bowling Green presents an attractive option for Bolden. Known for running an up-tempo spread offense, the Falcons like to get their playmakers in space, and Bolden’s dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver would fit perfectly in their system. At Bowling Green, Bolden would have the opportunity to be the focal point of the offense, with the potential to touch the ball 20-25 times per game, including in the passing game.
Bowling Green’s offensive line, while not dominant, is more adept at creating opportunities for backs to break big plays in space. This would give Bolden the chance to improve his yards-per-carry average and showcase his explosiveness. Additionally, playing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) would give Bolden a platform to stand out against competition that, while competitive, isn’t as loaded with NFL-caliber defenders as the Power 5 conferences. His versatility and ability to thrive in an up-tempo system would likely increase his production and raise his profile for scouts.
Army: A Role in the Triple-Option Offense
On the other hand, the Army provides a completely different type of offense with its triple-option attack. Army’s offense is built around the running game, and Bolden would be a perfect fit for their ground-and-pound philosophy. As the starting running back in the Army’s system, he would have the chance to rack up carries and consistently be the centerpiece of the offense.
However, while the Army’s system could lead to high rushing numbers, it might limit Bolden’s ability to showcase his skills as a receiver. The triple-option offense rarely passes the ball, which could stunt his development as a dual-threat back. Additionally, the Army’s offensive scheme, while effective, doesn’t have the same appeal to NFL scouts as more modern offenses do, which could limit his exposure and chances of being drafted.
On the flip side, the Army offers Bolden the chance to be a part of a winning tradition and play for one of the most respected programs in the country. Army is known for its disciplined, hard-nosed style of football, and Bolden would benefit from the structure and leadership development that comes with being part of the military academy’s program. If Bolden were to choose the Army, he would be betting on his ability to shine in a run-heavy offense and possibly take on a leadership role.
The Decision: Bowling Green
Ultimately, Bolden decides to transfer to **Bowling Green**. The Falcons’ spread offense offers the best chance for him to showcase his full range of abilities, both as a runner and a receiver. The opportunity to play in an offense designed to get playmakers in space is too good to pass up, and Bowling Green’s style will allow Bolden to put up bigger numbers and enhance his chances of catching the attention of NFL scouts.
While the Army’s run-heavy system was tempting, Bolden understands that his versatility is one of his greatest assets, and he wants to play in a system that will fully utilize it. By choosing Bowling Green, Bolden is setting himself up for a breakout junior season where he can truly shine as a dynamic playmaker. With his skillset and the right system, Bolden is poised to take his game to the next level.
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