How this NC State football recruit is building his own legacy at Dad’s high school
When Je’rel Bolder was in ninth grade, his parents signed him up for 7-on-7 football.
Bolder, a four-star wide receiver committed to N.C. State, mainly played baseball when he was growing up in Marshville. While the senior at Forest Hills High initially took up football at age 9, it took him some time to fall in love with the gridiron.
But once he did, it wasn’t necessarily the game itself.
It was about a new opportunity he saw. His father, Brandon Bolder, graduated from Forest Hills in 2005 and played football for longtime Yellow Jackets head coach Johnny Lowery. The program has been in good hands under fifth-year head coach Jammie Deese, a Wake Forest University and Scotland County High football alum who was once an NFL practice squad member.
Bolder realized the importance of carrying on the legacy left by previous classes — including his father’s — and the people surrounding him encouraged him to work hard and reach his full potential as an athlete.
“I love to work,” Bolder said with a smile, tossing a football up and down before a recent Forest Hills practice. “I just love to do little things that some athletes don’t do to get better. I’ve always had that mindset where if I’m doing something, I want to be the best at it.”
A desire to ‘put Forest Hills on the map’
Winning Forest Hills’ first state championship in 40 years is a goal for Bolder.
The Yellow Jackets, who won the 1984 NCHSAA 2A state title, became the first champion in the Charlotte Observer’s inaugural Sweet 16. They were coached then by Algie Faircloth, who was there for 14 years before Lowery.
Forest Hills is located in Marshville, a rural suburb in Union County roughly 35 miles from Charlotte. Ground has already broken for a new building — the high school was built in 1960 — and new athletic fields are on the way, too.
“I love to represent Forest Hills,” Bolder said. “I can definitely say we’re underrated, in this little town of Marshville. Just trying to put Forest Hills on the map.”
He’s found a new home at N.C. State
After the Wolfpack became the second school to offer Bolder, he got a call from Joker Phillips.
The wide receivers coach at N.C. State — who was the University of Kentucky head coach from 2010-12 — explained to Bolder that he wanted to make him the No. 1 receiver on his board. Bolder ultimately chose the Wolfpack out of 24 offers, which included Georgia, Virginia and UNC.
Bolder’s parents have motivated him throughout his life. In addition to his father’s sports wisdom — and a love they share for fishing — he also has a strong relationship with his mother: The two love to go out to eat together.
For as long as he can remember, any time he’s put his mind toward something, he’s worked hard. That mindset led to success throughout his athletic career, which introduced him to the game of football.
Now, it’ll bring him to Raleigh.
