Jarrett Boykin ’12

 At the end of this season the Virginia Tech football team will lose many key seniors that have greatly contributed to the team over the past four years. One player Hokie Nation will be sure to miss is Jarrett Boykin. Boykin, a wide receiver from Charlotte, N.C., sits atop of Virginia Tech record books for both career receptions and all-time receiving yards. Boykin has made many big plays for the Hokies over the past four years, and he will look to continue his football career into the future. For a guy who shies away from the spotlight and always puts the team first, Virginia Tech fans will certainly miss seeing number 81 on the field next year.
 
Her Campus Virginia Tech: With your senior year coming to an end, what has been your best memory during your career at Virginia Tech?
Jarrett Boykin: My first touchdown against Duke my freshman year. It was on a play called devil and me and the chaplain, Johnny Shelton, were talking before the game about religion and faith and he told me to go out there and do it. Since we were talking about that stuff before the game, I thought it was ironic it was on a played called devil. That and breaking the records for all-time receiving yards and receptions are my two best memories.
 
HCVT: What is your favorite thing about playing football at Virginia Tech?
JB: Virginia Tech is a competitive program and everybody around me loves to win, and it shows through all the championships we’ve won since I started as a freshman. That drive to win championships makes me want to get better everyday; it has helped me become a better player.
 
HCVT: How would you describe yourself as a player?
JB: Physical, big body and the attitude of beating the defender in front of me. I’m also a really determined player.
 
HCVT: How would you describe yourself as a person?
JB: Quiet, cool, laid-back and chill. I like to laugh and have fun. I like hanging out with friends.
 
HCVT: What are your plans after you graduate in December?
JB: I’ll be going to train and get ready for the whole NFL process.
 
HCVT: What are you going to miss most about playing football at Virginia Tech?
JB: I’m going to miss my friends, the family atmosphere, the coaches, and just coming out and playing in front of the fans in Lane Stadium. It went by really fast. This opportunity is something that any person would want to go through.
 
HCVT: What advice would you give to someone who wants to play football at Virginia Tech?
JB: Since I was lightly recruited coming out of high school, I would say keep pressing forward to your goal and keep the mindset that you’re just as good as the next guy. Go out there with a statement to prove. I really like proving people wrong, so make sure you keep working hard and prove someone wrong.
 
HCVT: Who’s your favorite NFL team?
JB: The Carolina Panthers because I’m from Charlotte and my dream is to play with them one day. I think it’d be cool to play with Cam Newton and play back at home in Charlotte.
 
HCVT: Who’s your biggest supporter and how do they help you?
JB: Besides my parents, it’d be my cousin DeAngelo. He’s always there to help me when things aren’t going right. He helps me not only with football, but with personal life as well. He played football at the University of Tennessee so he’s been there and knows what I’m going through. He always gives me great advice.
 
HCVT: If you could say anything to Hokie fans after four year, what would it be?
JB:  Thanks to all the supports, I have greatly appreciated everyone who’s been out there cheering for me. I’m going to take what I’ve learned at Virginia Tech and represent y’all at the next level.