Interview: 3-Star 2022 RB/ATH Derek Boyd is Ready to Dominate the 2020 California Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If an elite finely tuned sports car could politely talk about the pains of being kept inside the garage all the time, it might sound something like how anxious Class of 2022 running back Derek Boyd is to get back on the California gridiron. After standout 2018 and 2019 campaigns, this elite talent is ready to dominate the competition.
The Golden State games wait to be cleared with the season in limbo, but that has not stopped the determined Boyd from attacking his offseason workouts like the season was to kickoff the following day. After leading a three-headed Oaks Christian rushing attack in carries (83), yards (448), and touchdowns (7), the 6-1, 225-pound, back is ready to fill the void of the departed seniors, and then some, with an eye on pushing his three-star recruiting status up the line.
College coaches looking in on Boyd will once again get to see him in the Lions’ backfield, but also on defense and on special teams further showcasing his athletic abilities.
In a return visit to the RNG Lab, Boyd gives us an update on his workouts and recruiting process.
Interview
Derek, let’s catch everyone up from the 2019 season. Where all were you lining up on the field for Oaks Christian during your sophomore season?
It was a tricky one with Mister Williams, who is now at Colorado. He has already been a productive back for the Buffaloes. Getting those carries was part of three running back rotation. Learning from those guys was a blessing. I am already looking forward to my final season and the 2020 season if we have it.
You led the team in rush yards, how were the coaches getting the ball into your hands?
At first, it was hard to get in between the tackles running a zone. It was a new offense for me. My coaches saw that I had good speed to get outside on stretches and sweeps. I fared better on stretches and sweeps and in the pass game. This year, I am understanding the zone and I am loving the zone. My sophomore year was my outside zone year.
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on offense?
My strengths were using my speed over the defense and my catching game. I’m not saying I am the best at this or that, but I was good at those things. Finding the hole and putting a foot down and cutting were also strengths.
You even played defense again last season coming up with 19 tackles, a tackle for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. Going on the other side of the ball, which positions did you play and what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
I was lining up at strong safety and the rover spot coming down on blitzes, covering the 2 and the slot. I am focused at running back but playing defense has helped me understand defenses better. It was great to show my versatility and to help my team out in any way that I can. It was great to show college coaches that I can help my team in different ways. I am a running back, but I’m not the guy to sit on the bench just as a running back and not go out and help my team.
How did that opportunity to play on the defensive side of the ball come about for you?
At first, I wasn’t planning on playing defense. My defensive coordinator felt comfortable putting me in that hybrid role as a really fast linebacker that can cover well. He liked my size and physicality.
When the 2020 season gets going, what roles are you taking on?
I am playing running back and rover, and some special teams on kick return.
How have you been preparing your body physically for the upcoming season?
This offseason my dad and I, love my dad, we’ve been working hard. We are private on what we do, but I will give you a snippet. We wake up at 4 a.m. He will have me do pushups until exhaustion. We go over the mental part of the game going over plays and helping me take constructive criticism.
My dad has been with me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be here without my father, without my entire family. I have been eating right, meditating, lifting, and going on the track certain days for workouts. It has been homegrown. I haven’t been going to the different sports complexes, we’ve been more reserved.
Have you posted a 40 time this offseason?
Yes. Running with my dad, my highest was a 4.5. Not bad for a guy that is 225… National Preps said I ran in the 4.6.
Are you playing 7v7 ball this winter?
Yes, I am playing with ProWay.
How is that going?
It is going pretty well. I got out there to pay attention to detail. I am obsessive over everything I do, detailed to my stance, the way I get off on jams, understanding zones, and the hot spots running the routes. We are going with no pads, but there is a defense you are running against. At slot, I am running the routes, working on my hands, and better understanding the concepts of the defense. It has been a blessing to do so during a crisis in our world right now.
What is the practice schedule for the Lions?
We’ve been practicing on Monday through Thursday; it has been consistent without many hiccups. We are adding more plays on offense. For me, I have been getting bigger in the weight room. We are doing the social distancing stuff, putting the masks on, and taking precautions for parents and grandparents. We want to play our games. We have to follow those rules and abide by them. We are keeping our heads down and working in the meantime.
What are you wanting to show college coaches once the California season gets going?
I’m ready to prove myself this year. I am a three-star, there is no shame in that, listed as a Top 5 all-purpose back. Being a three-star, there are things you still have to work on. I can work on helping out my team more. Last season I was listening to the seniors and playing. Being a junior, I am ready to take on a bigger leadership role and be a role model.
For the colleges, you are getting a guy that loves to play the game and loves running the rock. I want to be the most versatile back out there and academically high-achieving too. The goal is to be the best teammate I can be and to be the back I can be. I am looking for a team that believes in me and wins. I want to help the team win bowl games and play early; those are the things I am looking for. I will do whatever it takes to win.
Let’s keep going with recruiting. You have the offers from Boise State and Oregon State, which schools are showing interest?
Pac-12, Mountain West, ACC, and Big Sky schools. USC and UCLA are showing high interest. Washington, Montana State, Wyoming, and Duke are showing interest as well.
When you get the chance, which schools might you visit?
Both of the schools that have offered me. It is a blessing those schools have offered me. Their pedigree is crazy and both schools are great. Both of those schools, I am planning on seeing them and seeing what they have to offer me.
Any last words before we go?
Yes, I want to give a shout out to my dad. He has gotten me to the point I am today. All this is coming from a kid that did not play football until the seventh grade. He has been there every step of the way. Shout out to you as well. You’ve been with me since my freshman year, I want to thank you.
Derek, it has been a pleasure. I appreciate your time as always. Wishing you and ProWay a successful 7v7 season and Oaks Christian once the 2020 season gets going.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Boyd family; Derek Boyd in action (2019)