UNC Football: DeAndre Boykins ruled out vs. South Carolina

Sep 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back DeAndre Boykins (16) reacts in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back DeAndre Boykins (16) reacts in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just prior to kickoff, it was found that the UNC football program will be without starting defensive back DeAndre Boykins.

The UNC football program has hid quite a bit from us over the last week or so.

First, we found out shortly before Saturday’s season opener that Nate McCollum would be unavailable. This was surprising, given that there were no indications that he was injured.

Sure, gamesmanship comes along with this, as the UNC football program didn’t want to tip their hand. However, we also found out that DeAndre Boykins would be unavailable for the season opener, but his situation is a bit more curious in nature.

Boykins, who was listed as a starter in the Tar Heels official depth chart that was released early in the week, was seen on crutches as the active North Carolina players warmed up for the season opener.

Of course, the injury could have happened after that depth chart was released, but the real question is this:

Why would they say he was a “game-time decision” and what is the severity of this actual injury?

Given that he’s on crutches, it seems like it was a long shot all along for him to suit up in this one, and looking ahead, this injury may sideline him, at least for the foreseeable future.

To find out just 75 minutes prior to kickoff that both McCollum and Boykins were out, especially considering Boykins is hurt enough to need crutches, simply makes no sense.

Nate McCollum ruled out for season opener. dark. Next

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