Benjamin Boyd: Full-time fullback

Posted on Aug 21, 2008 by Austin Keeble |

2 Comments

Boyd now wears the number 15 after moving over to the offense as a fullback ~ photo by Chris Collins

[Athens, GA] Benjamin Boyd shuffled into the media room following another long practice and immediately offered, “you mind if we sit down?”. I decided to drop the bomb: “If I told you a year ago that you would be getting reps in a backfield with two Heisman candidates, what would have been your response?” Boyd chuckled, “I’d start laughing”. He’s still laughing. Boyd wasn’t exactly giddy at first when Coach Bobo called him over and informed him that the team needed him to switch from linebacker to fullback. “At first I didn’t want to do it. I’ve played defense my whole life and I’ve always hated offensive players.” Despite his initial response, Boyd has enthusiastically accepted his revised role and views it as a chance to help the team.

Preseason camp has been an active one for the former fullback, walk-on, and #57. Everything has changed. Boyd, recently awarded a scholarship, has bulked up eighteen pounds to 228 and wears the #15. Even his disposition towards the switch has changed dramatically; “I’m so thankful that I made the move because Coach Ball [running backs coach] is one of the greatest men I’ve ever met. He’s taught me more than just football. I think there’s a bigger reason than football that I got moved over there”.

The overarching theme of our conversation seemed to be change – the difference between the initial reaction and the ultimate outcome. In fact, Boyd actually grew up an Auburn fan in Thomasville, Ga due to the influence of his father, an Auburn Alumni. It wasn’t until Dave Van Halanger, UGA’s strength and conditioning coach, spoke at his high school did he garner any interest in the UGA walk-on program. Hopefully, he can follow the lead of former Georgia walk-on fullbacks J.T. Wall and Verron Haynes. Ever since the switch, Boyd has been getting good press and solid reps leading up to one of the most anticipated seasons in Georgia Football history.

Tagged: benjamin boyd, walkon, fullback

Comments

Bill said:

Good story about, up until now, a little known Bulldawg player. Interesting to learn about those who toil everyday, but don't get as much ink as others.

Vance Leavy said:

Well done. Covering the dawgs is much more fun than sales isn't it? Ready for the season to start, but, unfortunately for both of us, there's still more schlepping to be done.