NC State S Devan Boykin “out for the month,” could return in October
NC State entered fall camp uncertain when starting safety Devan Boykin would be available after he recovered from knee surgery during the Wolfpack’s Pop-Tarts Bowl preparation. Now, it knows he will not be available for at least the next month.
“Devan’s out for the month,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said Monday. “His timeline is to be back some time in October, can’t really give you a date on that. Every month we reassess where guys are at as we get to this stage of the ACL recovery.”
Boykin was seen during the beginning of fall camp working off to the side as he rehabbed his knee injury.
The Greensboro, N.C., native had a standout season a year ago for the Wolfpack. He logged 54 total tackles with three interceptions, which ranked sixth in the ACC. Boykin also had three tackles for a loss with four passes defended last fall.
Boykin did miss one game last season — Week 5 against Louisville — after he departed the Wolfpack’s win at Virginia the game prior early with a “lower body injury.” He played the final _ games of the season before suffering the knee injury during the December practice slate.
Boykin can play all three safety positions within NC State’s defense and is expected to slot into the starting strong safety spot when he is able to return to the field.
In addition to Boykin’s injury update, Doeren reaffirmed that starting nickel Ja’Had Carter will play against Tennessee this weekend. He was held out of the Pack’s 38-21 win over Western Carolina as a precautionary measure, but is expected to be 100% for the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte after practicing Sunday night.
The former Ohio State transfer brings a hard-hitting mindset to the Pack’s nickel position and will replace Maryland transfer Tamarcus Cooley, who started in Carter’s place against the Catamounts.
