Jerrell Boykins Jr. is a class of 2021 defensive tackle out of East Ascension High School in Gonzales, La. He is 6’4″ and weighs 285 pounds. He is a 4 star and rated at an 8.4. He has excellent strength and is an excellent, disruptive run defender. Boykins always plays with a lot of effort and aggression and is very versatile. For his size, he moves quickly and is passionate about what he does. He has a 3.0 GPA. Boykins also is apart of the Track & Field team at East Ascension as he does shot put and is a discus thrower.
CHECK OUT JERRELL IN THE 2021 DEFENSIVE LINE
When did you start playing football?
I started playing football in the fifth grade.
Was there anything specific that motivated you to play?
I come from a football family. Growing up around it, it was all I wanted to do. Football helped me deal with the loss of my father.
You also do shot put and throw the discus! How do you feel like that helps your football skills?
It helps me with my body control, my feet, and my hand-eye coordination. It helps me keep my composure.
What’s your favorite thing about your position?
One, I get to hit people and not get in trouble for it. I get to use everything that I have to beat the offensive line.
What are some specific goals you have for next season?
As a team, I want to win a State Championship. Personally, I want to beat my sack record and the school’s sack record.
What’s been the highlight of your football career?
I would say winning the Best Defensive Lineman award last year was a highlight of my career. I also got to score a touchdown my sophomore season in the name of my mother.
How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you?
They would say I am a team player and leader. I am also someone they can come to when they need to talk.
What has football taught you?
Football has taught me that even when you get knocked down, you have to get back up. You have to keep getting back up and face your battles head on. Even when you’re going through stuff in life, football can really keep your mind off of them. That’s the one time you have no worries in life.
What’s your favorite thing about playing football in Louisiana?
The competition. You never know what or who you’re going to face. Louisiana has some of the greatest athletes in the country. One day you might face a team with a lot of speed. The next week, you’re facing a team with a lot of strength. Then the next week you’re facing a very smart team. You just never know what you’re going to get.
What strengths would you be bringing to a college team?
Versatility. I can play anywhere on the defensive line, I can play in the middle or outside. I’ll bring leadership, passion, and the composure that the team needs.
What are three words to describe yourself?
Passionate, calm and explosive.
How do you prepare for an upcoming game?
I watch film and make sure to stay hydrated so I don’t cramp in the game. I make sure my team is good and talking so the team chemistry is right. On game day, I listen to my music and think about what I am going to do. I think about what I’ll expect.
What is one thing you could not go a day without?
My family!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully, I am entering my first year in the NFL.
