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Elite 11 Watch: Louisville commit Kyle Bolin

Lexington Catholic (Lexington, Ky.) junior signal-caller Kyle Bolin threw for 3,088 yards and 29 touchdowns this past fall to help lead his team to the state semifinals. Tom Hauck

Throughout this offseason, we’ve spotlighted Class of 2013 quarterbacks who have a shot at making the Elite 11 finals in July. This week, we profile Lexington Catholic (Lexington, Ky.) junior Kyle Bolin.

After receiving interest from schools around the country, Kyle Bolin didn’t need much time to make a decision — the Lexington Catholic (Lexington, Ky.) signal-caller decided early in his junior season that he wanted to attend Louisville.

With his commitment out of the way, Bolin’s main goal now is helping his team avenge last season’s 42-21 loss to eventual state champ Highlands (Fort Thomas, Ky.) in the Class 4A state semifinals. Bolin threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

But his more immediate focus is the Elite 11 regionals. And as Bolin proved last season, he deserves to be mentioned among the nation’s top quarterbacks.

He completed 211-of-366 passes for 3,088 yards, 29 touchdowns and only 11 picks. And while Bolin is a prototypical pocket passer, he’s also able to make plays with his feet, rushing for 300 yards and five scores last year.

Bolin took some time out from his offseason workouts to talk about his hopes for both his senior season and the Elite 11.

ESPNHS: How’s the offseason going so far?

Bolin: Everything’s going great. I got my recruiting process out of the way, and now everything’s been a lot less hectic. I’m focusing on just getting better, I’m working hard in the weight room and I’ve been out throwing routes to receivers. We’re trying to make a run for state this fall, and we think we have the talent to get it done.

ESPNHS: You mentioned getting the recruiting process “out of the way.” Are you relieved it’s over?

Bolin: The process was great, don’t get me wrong. But yeah, it’s nice to get it out of the way. It starts getting pretty hectic. I was trying to find the place that best fits my potential, and I found that in Louisville. I went to campus a couple times, and I just fell in love with the place. The coaching staff was great, and I’m looking forward to working with them. I just can’t wait. That was the place I wanted to be.

ESPNHS: Was staying in state a major factor for you?

Bolin: I wouldn’t say it was a major factor, but I wanted my family to share in this experience with me. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my family. I like being far enough away, but close enough to go home when I want to.

ESPNHS: What are some things you feel like you need to work on this summer?

Bolin: I just want to get better in every aspect. I want to get my arm stronger, my release quicker, my accuracy better, and I want to work on my footwork. I’m focused on play-action, which is a big thing because when you go out and throw, you’re not working on your play-action game. But I’m going to work on that hard this offseason. I’m working on pretty much everything.

ESPNHS: Tell us about the Elite 11 competition. What regional are you going to, and what are some things you’re looking forward to about the event?

Bolin: I’m going to the one in Columbus (Ohio). It’s such a respected competition. Growing up and being a huge quarterback fan, and obviously playing quarterback, I have looked forward to a chance to go to the Elite 11 competition. I want to be one of those guys who has a chance to go to California. I want to be around the best QBs in the nation. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.

ESPNHS: It’s an event that really fosters competition. How do you feel like you personally fare when the competition level increases?

Bolin: I love competition. I’m one of the most competitive people you’ll ever meet. We could be playing anything and I want to win. It makes me work and drive harder to be the best. I feel like I do a lot better in games or situations where the pressure is higher and the stakes are greater.

ESPNHS: Finally, tell us about your senior season. What’s going to be the key to your team’s success?

Bolin: My class, my senior class, is a lot of guys who all started as sophomores. We had more sophomores than juniors or seniors. Last year we made it to the state semifinals, and that was a tough game. But this year, everyone understands what we’re working for. There are no more chances after this. Everyone’s working their butts off, and even the younger guys are joining in. If we don’t win, I will be very disappointed.

School: Lexington Catholic (Lexington, Ky.)

Position: QB

Class: 2013

2011 Team Record: 11-3 (Lost in Class 4A state semifinals)

2011 Stats

Passing Yards: 3,088

TD: 29

Rushing Yards: 300

TD: 5

Christopher Parish covers high school sports for ESPNHS magazine and ESPNHS.com. Follow him on Twitter @CParishESPN.