The Daily Gamecock

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Sports

Cory Boyd finished with just under 1,000 yards last year. (Photo by Ben Fine)

With the disappointing 2007 football campaign now a memory, many fans are excited about the potential of a 2008 squad that should return 14 starters.

Even with the familiar faces, one player who will be sorely missed.

Cory Boyd was the only Gamecock invited to the NFL Combine and was one of only a few hundred college prospects invited to the six day scouting process. Overall, he was pleased with his performance.

"I did okay, but I expected a lot more from myself," the New Jersey native said of his performance in Indianapolis. "I impressed some coaches with my bench press reps (25). I actually did 26 but I guess I did one of them wrong."

Heading into the combine, Boyd's focus was on proving that he has the speed for the next level.

"I wanted to prove that I can be a downhill running back that still has that breakaway speed once I hit the secondary," Boyd said. "Right now we are all on the same level, all I can do is put forth my best effort and leave it in God's hands."

Among all the drills of the combine, the most scrutinized is the 40-yard dash, and was a focal point for Boyd, last season's rushing leader.

"I really wanted a 4.4 but I was still pleased with a 4.51, especially since some of the coaches were projecting much worse, from 4.55 to 4.6," he said.

Boyd feels that playing in the SEC for four years will ultimately ease the transition into the NFL.

"Being in the SEC is a great preparation tool because of the tough grind, week in and week out, much like it is in the NFL," Boyd said.

The Combine was also an opportunity for prospects to get to know team representatives on a more personal level, and gives scouts an idea of the character that goes along with an athlete's skill set.

"I did a lot of interviews at the East/West all-star game so it was less formal this weekend," Boyd said. "It was easier to just be Cory and let the teams have a clear understanding of the kind of person I am."

Despite mild disappointment with his performance in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, Boyd was content with his overall performance and is looking to get back to some normalcy.

"Right now I'm back in Fort Lauderdale taking a few days to myself, trying to put some of the weight back on," Boyd said.

Even though Boyd's future likely lies in the professional ranks, he continues to contribute to the Carolina football program.

"I'm coming back to Columbia later this week to join the team with their winter workouts," Boyd said. "Even though I won't be on the field with them next year, I am still a leader and some of the players on the team are like my little brothers."

"I hope to make every Gamecock proud," he continued.

The next step for Boyd is USC's Pro Day, when scouts travel to Columbia to get another look at the Gamecocks' lone NFL prospect.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools