Meet Our Guest: Shaun Boykins Jr.
Jeff Brohm is returning to his Alma Mater as the new Head Coach of the Louisville Cardinals. Brohm starred as a quarterback for the Cards before cutting his teeth as a coach under Bobby Petrino in the early 2000’s. Brohm was recognized as one of the brightest offensive minds in the country in stints at Western Kentucky and Purdue, and he aims to bring that same record setting offense with him back to Louisville. In order to replicate his past offensive successes, Brohm needs to bring in top flight players for his offense. Weeks ago, Brohm took a huge step in that direction, winning a recruiting battle against arch rival Kentucky for the top rated player in the Bluegrass State in the 2024 class, Shaun Boykins Jr. from North Hardin High School in Radcliff, Kentucky.
Tale of the Tape
Boykins is a large, imposing receiver physically. He is listed at 6’1”, however to the eye he appears taller than that. He is also a muscular 195 pounds, likely to be 200 for his senior season. Boykins also has long arms with an impressive catch radius, which is a huge advantage for quarterbacks. Boykins is equal parts speedy and shifty, able to run by defenders or maneuver around them in the open field. He shows his impressive physical strength fighting for contested balls, blocking, and breaking tackles.
Film Room
Shaun Boykins Jr. is a touchdown waiting to happen, and his film showcases it. Boykins can line up all over the field for the Trojans. He is primarily a wide receiver in their offense, the position he projects most favorably to in college, but he also plays snaps at running back, wildcat quarterback, and is a dangerous kick returner. Offensive coaches love weapons with that type of versatility, and Jeff Brohm has a history of getting huge production out of those players.
Speed is a significant part of Boykins game. He has the footspeed to get behind Power 5 defensive backs or outrun them on short throws. Boykins shows good acceleration both out of his stance and when working in the open field. Boykins is going to be a deep threat in the Cardinal offense, but not because of his speed alone. Boykins is a physical receiver that plays well through contact. Boykins stands out as a deep ball threat due to his:
- Height
- Leaping Ability
- Strength
- Strong Hands
- Ball Skills
This skill set means that 50-50 balls to Boykins have slightly altered odds.
The trouble isn’t over for defenses when Boykins catches the ball. He runs like a running back once the ball is caught. Boykins excels at breaking tackles and making the first, and often second, man miss. His strength and elusiveness make him exceptionally
difficult to bring down, and contribute to his dangerous abilities as a kick returner.
Areas For Improvement
This is going to be a short list for a player with the types of skills and production of Boykins. The most glaring area that Boykins will be expected to improve is his route running. Boykins runs good routes, but his route tree is going to have to expand at the college level, particularly playing for Broh.. Aside from that, the biggest adjustment for Boykins is likely to be the jump in talent from high school football in Kentucky to the ACC. That said, North Hardin is a powerhouse program and a factory for college athletes. The level of coaching a d preparation Boykins has received with the Trojans should aid his transition.
Future Prediction
After watching Boykins in person against Bowling Green to open the 2022 season in the Rafferty’s Bowl, then reviewing his tape, he is made for Jeff Brohm’s offense. Boykins is lethal catching any flavor of outside screen, making the first man miss, and then flashing his speed to outrun everyone else. Brohm utilizes an abundance of screens to wide receivers in his scheme, and Boykins already has the tool set to slot in immediately. Boykins also has the body size and control to be a chain moving wide receiver, as well as a deep threat. Brohm has a history of great success with receivers like Boykins.
- Taywan Taylor at Western Kentucky
- David Bell at Purdue
- Charlie Jones at Purdue
Each of these players were semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, and all three were drafted to the NFL after massively productive college careers. Expect Boykins to be the next in this line of success stories.
Final Analysis
Boykins is going to have every opportunity to be a star for the Cardinals. He has all the skills, the attitude, the versatility, the coach, and the talent to thrive in Jeff Brohm’s high flying offense. Boykins is one of the players that will likely allow Brohm to leave his stamp on the Cardinal program as a head coach.
