Cliffs Notes: The Longhorns added yet another explosive playmaker to the 2024 puzzle on Tuesday with the commitment of Oregon State playmaker Silas Bolden.
Resume: A true do-it-all performer for Oregon State in the last two years, as he followed up earning second-team All-Pac 12 honors as a return guy in 2022 as a sophomore with developing into one of the Pac 12's most productive receivers in 2023 as a junior. Bolden led Oregon State in receptions (54) and receiving yards (746), while also adding 5 touchdowns receiving and another two touchdowns on the ground.
Evaluation: My first instinct was to think that the 5-8, 158 pound Bolden was likely a slot receiver, but the truth of the matter is that Bolden played 80-percent of his snaps on the outside last year as a receiver and was used in almost every way a receiver can be used. His deep speed is obvious.... he can flat out run. by guys... but he's a much more complete receiver than most will guess. He works all areas of the field, shows great hands and is deadly after the catch. I've said it a few times in the last week, but he will remind the old heads out there of former Longhorn Tony Jones.
Look At This: Check out his numbers against ranked teams in 2023 during the regular season:
at Washington State: 5 receptions for 76 yards
vs. Utah 6 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, 2 rushes for 53 yards and a touchdown
vs. UCLA: 5 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown
vs. Washington: 4 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown
at Oregon: 4 receptions for 56 yards
2023 Receiving Depths (Via PFF)
Why it matters: A week ago, this Texas team lacked proven weapons at the wide receiver position. Not any more. This is a player that immediately improves the roster, both with his skills as a receiver and with his proven track record as a special teams star. Quinn Ewers has a new toy.
Expectations: I expect him to show up and immediately compete for a starting position within the wide receiver unit, while probably being the No.1 punt returner from day one.
2023 Highlights: Watch his performance vs. Utah
Resume: A true do-it-all performer for Oregon State in the last two years, as he followed up earning second-team All-Pac 12 honors as a return guy in 2022 as a sophomore with developing into one of the Pac 12's most productive receivers in 2023 as a junior. Bolden led Oregon State in receptions (54) and receiving yards (746), while also adding 5 touchdowns receiving and another two touchdowns on the ground.
Evaluation: My first instinct was to think that the 5-8, 158 pound Bolden was likely a slot receiver, but the truth of the matter is that Bolden played 80-percent of his snaps on the outside last year as a receiver and was used in almost every way a receiver can be used. His deep speed is obvious.... he can flat out run. by guys... but he's a much more complete receiver than most will guess. He works all areas of the field, shows great hands and is deadly after the catch. I've said it a few times in the last week, but he will remind the old heads out there of former Longhorn Tony Jones.
Look At This: Check out his numbers against ranked teams in 2023 during the regular season:
at Washington State: 5 receptions for 76 yards
vs. Utah 6 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, 2 rushes for 53 yards and a touchdown
vs. UCLA: 5 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown
vs. Washington: 4 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown
at Oregon: 4 receptions for 56 yards
2023 Receiving Depths (Via PFF)
Why it matters: A week ago, this Texas team lacked proven weapons at the wide receiver position. Not any more. This is a player that immediately improves the roster, both with his skills as a receiver and with his proven track record as a special teams star. Quinn Ewers has a new toy.
Expectations: I expect him to show up and immediately compete for a starting position within the wide receiver unit, while probably being the No.1 punt returner from day one.
2023 Highlights: Watch his performance vs. Utah
