GTmorris1970
03-14-2006, 08:12 AM
Posted on Tue, Mar. 14, 2006
USC FOOTBALL
Time away gives Boyd a new start
After serving a suspension in the fall, Cory Boyd has sights set on a big year
By JOSEPH PERSON jperson@thestate.com
About halfway through Monday’s practice, Cory Boyd caught a short pass, turned upfield, made a move past a defender and sprinted about 30 yards untouched.
The play came during a 7-on-7, non-contact drill on the Gamecocks’ first day of spring drills. It may have seemed insignificant to the other 80 or so other players on the field, but it represented a big step back for a player who sat out the entire 2005 season.
“It’s been a long journey, but I had a lot of support,” Boyd said later. “It felt good to be back out here with the fellas.”
Boyd, a running back from West Caldwell, N.J., was expected to be a big part of the USC offense in Steve Spurrier’s first season. But he was suspended in July for a nonacademic violation of athletics department policy and could only watch as the Gamecocks’ running game spent much of the fall in reverse.
Following the losses of Boyd and starting tailback Demetris Summers, who was kicked off the team a year ago after testing positive for marijuana, USC rushed for an average of 95.2 yards a game, which ranked 108th out of 117 Division I-A teams.
It is no wonder then that Spurrier already has named Boyd a starter alongside Mike Davis in a two-back set that Spurrier installed to take advantage of Boyd’s versatility.
“Cory’s ready to play,” Spurrier said Monday. “Cory can play slot receiver, coming out of the backfield catching the ball. He’s very talented.”
The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Boyd was the Gamecocks’ second-leading rusher (309 yards on 62 carries) and second-leading receiver (35 catches for 347 yards) in 2004 during Lou Holtz’s final season.
“I had a lot going for me. I had a step back,” Boyd said. “But I’m back, and now I realize what’s more valuable to me.”
Boyd refused to discuss the reason for his suspension, saying: “It really doesn’t matter. That was last year. I put it behind me. It’s not too bad, but it’s over with.”
Added Spurrier: “He took his punishment and didn’t whimper or complain. He’s served his time and he’s ready to go.”
After initially considering a transfer to Rutgers or another school closer to his home, Boyd stayed at USC and spent the fall working with the scout team. He was not allowed to be in uniform for games.
“I just had to go out there, keep my head level,” he said. “Time will fly if you keep your mind straight on what you need to get done. I just did that.”
Boyd underwent surgery in December to repair a torn meniscus and remove a cyst in his left knee. But after three months of rehab, Boyd was making cuts and jukes Monday with no obvious limitations.
“They say he had a little knee surgery. But it doesn’t look like it. He looked great,” cornerback Fred Bennett said. “He caught a couple of passes, did some good things. I think our offense is using him well.”
As valuable as Boyd is on the field, Bennett said Boyd’s energetic personality also will provide a lift in the locker room.
“He brings the attitude that we need — a leader,” Bennett said. “The way he plays, the way he talks, you can tell he has a lot of passion for this game.”
Which is why Boyd ultimately decided to stick it out for his final two years of eligibility at USC rather than bolt when faced with adversity.
“For a minute, I thought about it,” he said. “But I never quit on things that I start. I just wanted to come back and prove all my doubters wrong. I made a mistake. But I’m here now and I’m here to stay.”
Extra points. Spurrier said receiver Syvelle Newton, who tore his left Achilles tendon and missed the final five games of the 2005 season, is on schedule to play this season. Newton said he will begin running in a pool before trying it on dry land. ... Fullback Bryan Kingrey’s move to the offensive line never made it past the drawing board stage. The junior was in the backfield Monday. ... Walk-on quarterback Brett Nichols was out Monday with the flu. ... Spurrier said classroom attendance has improved from this point last year. One reason: Players who miss class are required to run the Williams-Brice Stadium steps at 5 a.m.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.
USC FOOTBALL
Time away gives Boyd a new start
After serving a suspension in the fall, Cory Boyd has sights set on a big year
By JOSEPH PERSON jperson@thestate.com
About halfway through Monday’s practice, Cory Boyd caught a short pass, turned upfield, made a move past a defender and sprinted about 30 yards untouched.
The play came during a 7-on-7, non-contact drill on the Gamecocks’ first day of spring drills. It may have seemed insignificant to the other 80 or so other players on the field, but it represented a big step back for a player who sat out the entire 2005 season.
“It’s been a long journey, but I had a lot of support,” Boyd said later. “It felt good to be back out here with the fellas.”
Boyd, a running back from West Caldwell, N.J., was expected to be a big part of the USC offense in Steve Spurrier’s first season. But he was suspended in July for a nonacademic violation of athletics department policy and could only watch as the Gamecocks’ running game spent much of the fall in reverse.
Following the losses of Boyd and starting tailback Demetris Summers, who was kicked off the team a year ago after testing positive for marijuana, USC rushed for an average of 95.2 yards a game, which ranked 108th out of 117 Division I-A teams.
It is no wonder then that Spurrier already has named Boyd a starter alongside Mike Davis in a two-back set that Spurrier installed to take advantage of Boyd’s versatility.
“Cory’s ready to play,” Spurrier said Monday. “Cory can play slot receiver, coming out of the backfield catching the ball. He’s very talented.”
The 6-foot-1, 208-pound Boyd was the Gamecocks’ second-leading rusher (309 yards on 62 carries) and second-leading receiver (35 catches for 347 yards) in 2004 during Lou Holtz’s final season.
“I had a lot going for me. I had a step back,” Boyd said. “But I’m back, and now I realize what’s more valuable to me.”
Boyd refused to discuss the reason for his suspension, saying: “It really doesn’t matter. That was last year. I put it behind me. It’s not too bad, but it’s over with.”
Added Spurrier: “He took his punishment and didn’t whimper or complain. He’s served his time and he’s ready to go.”
After initially considering a transfer to Rutgers or another school closer to his home, Boyd stayed at USC and spent the fall working with the scout team. He was not allowed to be in uniform for games.
“I just had to go out there, keep my head level,” he said. “Time will fly if you keep your mind straight on what you need to get done. I just did that.”
Boyd underwent surgery in December to repair a torn meniscus and remove a cyst in his left knee. But after three months of rehab, Boyd was making cuts and jukes Monday with no obvious limitations.
“They say he had a little knee surgery. But it doesn’t look like it. He looked great,” cornerback Fred Bennett said. “He caught a couple of passes, did some good things. I think our offense is using him well.”
As valuable as Boyd is on the field, Bennett said Boyd’s energetic personality also will provide a lift in the locker room.
“He brings the attitude that we need — a leader,” Bennett said. “The way he plays, the way he talks, you can tell he has a lot of passion for this game.”
Which is why Boyd ultimately decided to stick it out for his final two years of eligibility at USC rather than bolt when faced with adversity.
“For a minute, I thought about it,” he said. “But I never quit on things that I start. I just wanted to come back and prove all my doubters wrong. I made a mistake. But I’m here now and I’m here to stay.”
Extra points. Spurrier said receiver Syvelle Newton, who tore his left Achilles tendon and missed the final five games of the 2005 season, is on schedule to play this season. Newton said he will begin running in a pool before trying it on dry land. ... Fullback Bryan Kingrey’s move to the offensive line never made it past the drawing board stage. The junior was in the backfield Monday. ... Walk-on quarterback Brett Nichols was out Monday with the flu. ... Spurrier said classroom attendance has improved from this point last year. One reason: Players who miss class are required to run the Williams-Brice Stadium steps at 5 a.m.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.