Recruit Spotlight: ATH Slade Bolden, West Monroe High School, Class of 2018

by Camille Amadeo

Unquestionably, one can say Slade Bolden is one of the greatest players to play for West Monroe High School. Slade Bolden has been challenging the term “athlete” by his performances on the field in every way. Bolden was given the opportunity to start as a freshman, which is unheard of at West Monroe High School, when the starting quarterback got hurt right before the season started. He did not disappoint running for over 1,000 yards and throwing double digits in touchdowns. His ability to perform and execute with little experience as a freshman earned him All District in 2014. Bolden continued to rotate in as a quarterback and as an all-purpose full back/wide receiver the next year to earn him All District Athlete in 2015 running for 1,073 yards, catching 20 passes for 381 yards, and executing three touchdowns at the end of the season. Bolden continued to thrive and perform on the field to earn him All District and MVP of the District offense in 2016. Off the field, he accumulates a 4.0 GPA emphasizing the term “student athlete.” He is already making moves with his first pre-season play to Jairus Henry for a 75-yard touchdown. Overall, the West Monroe senior athlete is a force to be reckoned with on and off the field. Louisiana Football Magazine recruiting expert Lee Brecheen praises Bolden’s ability and versatility as he was on the cover of our North Louisiana edition of the magazine as well as making our All-North Louisiana team.

“Slade Bolden is such a great athlete,” Brecheen said. “If he gets five yards past the line of scrimmage, you are not catching him with his 4.40 speed. The sky is the limit for this kid.”

His performance speaks for itself as all the big time DI teams have noticed and come to the conclusion he would be an asset to their program. Teams like TCU, Arkansas, Alabama, and LSU have given offers to the talented four-star athlete. On August 3^rd, Slade Bolden made his decision to verbally commit to the University of Alabama where based on his athleticism could play any number of positions including running back or wide receiver. We can not wait for Slade Bolden to lead the Rebels back to the Dome this season and continue to pursue his football career in college. In today’s recruit spotlight, we caught up with the Alabama commit before tonight’s big game against John Ehret as he talked about his West Monroe career, committing to the Crimson Tide, his goals for the season, and so much more!

LAFM: What is your name, age, position, and school you played for?

Slade Bolden, 18, QB/ATH, West Monroe High School

LAFM: What is your height and weight?

5’11, 198

LAFM: What is your max bench press, max squat, vertical, and 40 yard time?

Max Bench Press: 320 lbs; 415 lbs; 35 in; and 4.5

LAFM: What are the biggest strengths to your game?

Running the ball and being able to make big plays as a receiver, I run good routes and have very good hands while being able to get open. I can throw as well.

LAFM: What is your favorite position to play?

Quarterback

LAFM: What were your most memorable accomplishments while at West Monroe High School?

So far, being able to make it to the State Championship game.

LAFM: What is an interesting fact about yourself that you would like our readers to know about?

I love to have fun in any situation, and I’m an avid wiffle ball player.

LAFM: The Rebels had just won the district championship and were on their way to the state championship with an 12-2-1 season until the team lost in the 5A State Championship to Landry Walker. What are your thoughts on how the end of the season turned out as well as the season as a whole?

Obviously, the season did not end the way we wanted but it definitely fueled us for our upcoming season.

LAFM: Looking back at your career, what is the game that sticks out the most in your career?

Definitely the St. Amant game, 3rd round of the playoffs in my Junior year.

LAFM: You have played against a lot of great defensive linemen over your career. Who is the best one you played against and why?

I would have to say Isaiah Buggs from Ruston High School in my Freshman year.

LAFM: What are some things that you have picked up from Coach Jerry Arledge that has helped you in your game today?

To be a strong leader and to remain humble and to always be there for your teammates.

LAFM: What is your advice for next year’s West Monroe football team?

That nothing is better than being able to come together as a team and being able to play in the State Championship game.

LAFM: You have recently signed with the University of Alabama to play at the next level. What has helped you make the decision to play for the Crimson Tide?

Just everything about Alabama in general. The coaching staff, the facilities, and the whole town in general. I know I will be able to fit in that offense.

LAFM: What do you think you need to improve on when you get to Alabama?

To be a better an all-around receiver.

LAFM: Who are some college or NFL players that you like to model your game after and why?

Julian Edelman (Kent State/New England Patriots) and Christian McCaffrey (Stanford/Carolina Panthers)

LAFM: Who are some of the people that you like to thank for putting you in the position that you are in today?

My grandparents, who I live with who are basically my parents, all the coaches and mentors that have been there for me, and most importantly none of this would be possible without the man upstairs.

Camille Amadeo is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico but has lived in the town of Madisonville, Louisiana since high school where she attended St. Scholastica Academy. Camille attends Louisiana State University pursuing a major in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. While at LSU, Camille has participated in different positions surrounding sports. During the fall semester of her sophomore year, Camille had the chance to attend the press box for the LSU football games where she helped report the radio advertisements in Spanish for KGLA radio station and also reported the scores for the other college football games going on at that time. Camille joined the LA Football Magazine team in summer for her school internship.

Hey football fans. Like our recruiting interviews, stories, and other content on our website? Click on our website daily to view articles on recruits, coaches, and so much more at our website: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/. Also, we have exciting news that for the first time in the 21 year history of our magazine, we will have a North and a South edition of the Magazine. Both issues will continue to cover all the Louisiana colleges as well as all the high schools in state, but there will be 16 pages that will focus on North Louisiana as well as South Louisiana. For more information on what is in both editions as well as how you can get your copy, click on our store links below. So, what are you waiting for and get your editions today!

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