Our latest Diamond in the Rough featured athlete is Ja’Mire Bolden, a 2024 Northshore High School Defensive Lineman. There are many players in his class that are trying to make a name for themselves this coming season, and his name should be atop the list. At 6’2 and 231 pounds, this powerful player can play any position necessary on the defensive line for the Panthers. His mentality is that he can blow through anyone on this way to the quarterback. During his junior season, he earned 1st Team All-District D-Line honors and 1st Team All-Parish D-Line honors as well. Ja’Mire was a participant in our latest Elite Camp Series, which was held at his home school in Slidell.
What age were you when you started playing football and why did you continue to do so over the years?
“I was 5 years old when I decided I wanted to play football. I had grown up around it with my dad and my grandfather who coached at the Local Youth League SYFA. I fell in love with it my first time actually playing it and it’s stuck with me and gave me a way to stay away from the “wrong route” in life.”
Do you play any other sports or is or only football for you?
“Football is the only sport I play, it’s where my heart resides, it’s where I can be myself and have fun.”
What are you biggest strengths as a player?
“My quick first step, my length and quickness, my IQ for the game, and knowing how to control myself and not dwell on mistakes and learn quickly.”
What are some things to improve on as a defensive lineman this off season?
“I’d say I can improve on being more of an “Technical” player, meaning actually executing the techniques that I am taught and that I know in games or whatever challenge I am facing.”
What would you describe as a good teammate?
“A leader who’s energy is good and brings smiles to everyone around. Someone who is always up and going with energy which will give teammates the feeling of excitement and encouragement.”
How has the recruiting process been for you? Any potential offers or any other interests?
“Recruiting process is slow honestly, I’ve talked to a few Coaches and I’ll be attending a few more camps this summer which hopefully may speed things up.”
Any goals for this season? / What do you want to get out of this season?
“I want everything that people think we cant have. I want a ring, I want to be able to catch the eyes of everyone who doesn’t know who I am. I want to bring a different side of me into the season and improve my game and have that energy of not being beat by no man or no challenge against me. I want to set records throughout the history of Northshore High School.”
How do you enjoy playing at Northshore and is it a good fit for you and your football talent?
“I enjoy playing at Northshore. I made the decision to be at Northshore with my lifetime friends I call my brothers, and it’s a great fit for me and my talent. Every coach knows what I am capable of and they push me to be better than what they know I can do. I love playing and putting on Northshore colors and having fun doing what it is I love. My head coach, Coach Sanders, is my guy. He knows his personnel very well and I don’t think we’d be as successful without him and the Coaching staff he has put together to better the program these past few years.”
Are there any players you model your game after or watch their tape?
“My favorite player ever, Ray Lewis. I watch his tapes during school hours, on gamedays, or even in the locker and during pre game meals. I definitely model my game after him and JJ Watt who is another monster on the field.”
How do you balance football and school?
“School and football is where all my time is dedicated to. It’s a challenge but its what I’ve chose to do, so I have to live with it.”
How do you prepare yourself for a football game?
“Music. Music does it all for me. I’m not a talkative person once its crunch time. I like to be locked in and focus on what it is I’ll do to produce and be the best version of myself and be proud at the end of a game not only knowing I performed well but that we performed well as a team and ended up victorious.”
How would your teammates describe you??
“Energetic and great communication. I’m a big faith person, and I put my faith in them just as they do with me. Fun to be around, and a bit childish, but I know how to channel it and be productive so it all comes together and we create a brotherhood and chemistry I feel cant be matched.”
How was it getting to perform at the elite camp at Northshore at your home school?
“It was great, knowing that we can be a school to host an event as such and actually being able to represent my homeschool and my talents.”
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