Number Association Countdown – #3 – Cory Boyd

Cory Boyd had quite a roller coaster career at South Carolina, but despite some pitfalls left the school as a fan favorite.

Boyd came to USC as a RB/DB out of Orange, NJ, and entered the same year as the heralded Demetris Summers.  Boyd had a difficult upbringing, and to hear Lou Holtz tell it, he practically had to dodge gunfire to get to Boyd’s house on a recruiting trip. That no doubt helped drive Boyd to USC.

The lasting memory of Boyd’s freshman year (when he actually wore #4) was this scary concussion-inducing play against Virginia, which ended the career of UVA defensive back Willie Davis.  Boyd was chosen the team’s Freshman of the Year despite being out-rushed by Summers, who was second on the team in total yards.

In 2004 Boyd was second in rushing to Summers, but in 2005 Boyd was suspended for the entire season for a violation of team rules after Summers had been permanently dismissed.

The 2006 season started with a bang with Boyd catching a TD pass from Syvelle Newton on a trick play against Mississippi State.  But with a camera on him on the sideline, Boyd informed the viewing audience that he was “back like cooked crack”.  This obviously didn’t go over well, and after a mini uproar Boyd apologized and everyone moved on.

Boyd recovered to be an undisputed team leader throughout ’06 and ’07.  While he never put up all-SEC type numbers, he was highly respected around the league for his tough running style.  Some memorable moments include his short ankle-breaking TD run against UGA, his great night against Tennessee in an overtime loss, and this catch and run against MTSU, probably the one play that best captures Boyd’s running style.

Boyd has yet to stick with an NFL team since departing USC, but has emerged as the feature back for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in 2010.