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Why Jackson State football's Isaiah Bolden didn't follow Deion Sanders to Colorado

Football is a strange game. It will make opponents friends for a week. That is what happened on Saturday when Jackson State defensive back Isaiah Bolden played for Tennessee State coach Eddie George in the 11th annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

George's National team lost to the American team 19-17 on a last second field goal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Saturday.

During the 2022 season, Jackson State defeated Tennessee State 16-3 in the Southern Heritage Classic.

After the National team forced a punt, Bolden returned a punt five yards. On 4th-and-goal from the 5-yard line, Bolden knocked down a pass to stop a drive.

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Jackson State University's Isaiah Bolden tries to get past defense during JSU's scrimmage game at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021.
Jackson State University's Isaiah Bolden tries to get past defense during JSU's scrimmage game at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021.

ISAIAH BOLDEN TURNIG PROJackson State football player Isaiah Bolden turning pro, selected for NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

After a season of going against the nation's No. 1 recruit Travis Hunter, along with Shane Hooks, Dallas Daniels, Willie Gaines, Rico Powers and Malachi Wideman in practice, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Bolden said he is ready to play in the NFL.

According to a draft analyst at practice this week, Bolden matched up well against different receivers. He played in the slot and out wide.

Prior to coming to JSU, Bolden played for two seasons at Florida State. When Deion Sanders became coach at Jackson State, he promised to help get Bolden to the NFL.

He could have returned to JSU for another year or gone to Colorado and joined Sanders when he was hired by the Buffaloes. But after earning his degree in interdisciplinary studies, Bolden decided to enter the NFL Draft.

"Coach Sanders wanted me to come to Colorado with him," Bolden said. "I felt that I was ready to do what I wanted to do. He (Sanders) gave me his blessing to go pro."

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Isaiah Bolden explains why he didn't follow Deion Sanders to Colorado