Profiles In Terpage – A Countdown To The Football Season: Kerry Boykins
By petevolk
A recurring series where we will profile every player and coach on Maryland’s roster, counting down to kick-off against Miami. Thanks to OBNUG for the idea.
Today we profile the other player who is in contention for the starting slot receiver spot.
Kerry Boykins, Junior (RS), Wide Receiver
Stats:
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 190
Ratings: Four stars, #194 in the nation, #8 in Virginia, #26 wide receiver by Rivals; three stars, #73 wide receiver by Scout; four stars, #139 athlete, #20 wide receiver by ESPN
40-yard dash time: 4.55
High School Stats (Senior Year): 43 catches for 705 yards and nine touchdowns
High School Stats (Junior Year): 35 catches for 750 yards and six touchdowns
College Stats (through two seasons): 16 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown, 16 tackles
High School: Oscar Frommel Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)
How’d He Get To College Park?
Kerry Boykins was a very highly touted receiver coming out of Smith, and he also ran track and played strong safety at the school. Recruited by Clemson, Michigan State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and others, he chose Maryland because they were the first school to take notice of him. O-Line coach Tom Brattan was at the head of his recruitment. Boykins was two-time All-Tidewater and was named first-team all-state his senior year, as well as second-team all-state his junior year.
Boykins redshirted his first year on campus, and then played in ten games his freshman year, including two starts. Last season, he played in all thirteen games, catching ten passes for 124 yards and a score.
More after the jump.
Nickname:
“KB”. It’s his real nickname.
Career Highlight:
The touchdown catch against Boston College.
Career Lowlight:
Not winning the starting job outright.
Arbitrary Top Five List:
Receivers by blocking ability, last year’s Terps:
1. LaQuan Williams
2. Emani Lee-Odai
3. Kerry Boykins
4. Adrian Cannon
5. Ronnie Tyler
Dream Season:
Boykins wins the starting slot job, catching 30 passes for at least five scores.
Nightmare season:
Boykins loses the job to Tyler, spending most of his time on special teams and as a situational blocker.
2011 Prospectus:
Kerry Boykins has taken a weird path to success for a high-profile recruit – he’s done all the little things. So far, the wide receiver has made a name for himself as a Terp with great blocking and special teams play, despite his four-star recruit status.
Boykins is probably the favorite to win the slot receiver battle (even though Tyler has more experience), but he still has a lot of work cut out for him. The only competition for the job is Tyler, but as we saw in the first episode of Terrapins Rising, coach Edsall and Tyler have a legitimate bond already and who knows what kind of effect that might have.
Regardless of who wins the starting slot spot, Kerry Boykins will see a lot of playing time this year. He’s got a lot of potential, a lot of talent, and a big work ethic. He’s proven himself as a contributor on this team already – maybe it’s time he shows he can be a playmaker as well.
Up Next:
Our next player is the most experienced returning receiver for Maryland.
Follow this writer on Twitter @Pete_Volk.