Curtis Bolton, a consensus three-star outside linebacker prospect, hails from Vista Murrieta High School in California. He has scholarship offers from Oklahoma, Miami, Arizona, Washington, Washington State, Fresno State and Iowa State.
Curtis Bolton recruit scouting report: Quality pass rusher
The three-star linebacker has several offers from power-conference schools.
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The 6’2, 215-pound Bolton has been an impact player in high school for several years now. In 2011, he recorded 70 tackles, per 247Sports, including 5.5 sacks. He improved the following season, collecting 28 tackles for loss, including 10.5 sacks.
He didn’t take any official visits during the season, though he was visited on a couple of occasions by Sooners coaches.
Bolton is considered a three-star prospect by all of the major recruiting services. Scout ranks him 43rd among outside linebackers in the 2014 class, and 247Sports has him at No. 44. ESPN and Rivals are a bit less optimistic -- the former has him at No. 70 among OLBs, while the latter regards him as just the 69th-best player from California.
You can follow Bolton on Twitter here.
Derrell Warren, West Coast Recruiting Analyst: Bolton is a linebacker recruit with a stout base and looks as if he can add some additional bulk to his upper body. Currently listed at 225 pounds however, there’s a possibility of him growing into the size of a smaller defensive end. Bolton almost exclusively used as a pass rush defensive end for his high school team, rushing from both a three point stance and a stand-up position.
Transitioning to college there’s sure to be a bit of an adjustment period as he transitions from playing strictly out on the edge to operating more out in space. Bolton will have to make an adjustment in terms of both read/react versus the run and being able to function out in coverage. That’s something he simply isn’t asked to do much of on tape
Bolton has exceptional first step quickness as a pass rusher. He speeds around the edge, runs a fairly tight arc, and is an explosive finisher. He does have a tendency to allow the offensive lineman to get into his frame when turning the corner, however. Off the edge, I would like to see him work with a little more bend; as bigger, longer tackles could to push him past the pocket on outside speed rushes. However, his natural leverage and stout lower half enable him to play through contact, reducing that concern to a degree.
Now Bolton isn’t the rangiest player and I would like to see him fully extend his arms when engaging blockers. However, his hands are quick and powerful as he works through them. Versus the run, Bolton is a tackle for loss machine who does an exceptional job in chasing down plays from the backside. Has the vision to track the ball and takes efficient routes to the ball. Really good agility and can maneuver through bodies to find the ball carrier.
