TAMPA — Brandon Boykin was still feeling forlorn in defeat when a UGA official approached him in the locker room and said he’d been summoned back to the field by the Outback Bowl organizers.
Despite the Bulldogs’ 33-30 triple-overtime loss Monday, Georgia’s multi-talented senior had been named the bowl’s most valuable player.
“It was honestly surprising,” Boykin said. “Those things usually go to the team that wins the game.”
There was no denying Boykin had the most profound impact on the proceedings at Raymond James Stadium. The Georgia senior, who spends the majority of his time at cornerback for the Bulldogs, recorded a rare football hat trick: He scored in all three phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams.
Boykin tackled Michigan State wide receiver Keyshawn Martin for a 2-yard loss and a safety on a pass play on the Spartans’ first possession.
He had a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter. It was Boykin’s fifth touchdown return on special teams but his first on a punt return and became a Georgia bowl and Outback record.
Boykin scored a 13-yard touchdown after lining up at tailback and catching a pass to give Georgia a 27-20 lead with 6:44 remaining in the game.
Overall, Boykin finished with 183 all-purpose yards and added 7 tackles and 2 tackles for loss on defense.
“I was blessed to do all that, but none of that could have topped getting a victory in my last game,” said Boykin, who hails from Fayetteville. “I’m still kind of upset right now. It didn’t end the way I wanted it to, but I can’t do anything about that now.”
Boykin already held the school record for kickoff-return yardage and finished second all-time in the SEC with 2,663.
“He’s a very dynamic football player and a great person,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “He’s a guy who loves his team, loves Georgia and loves football. I know he’s going to have a really good career [in the NFL].”
One of just two seniors graduating off the defense, Boykin seriously considered making the jump to the NFL after last season. But Georgia coaches believe Boykin dramatically improved his stock by returning for his senior season.
“I felt like he could be a better player by coming back and being more polished for the NFL, and I don’t think there’s any question he’s helped his status,” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “I think he’s a much better player than he was a year ago. I mean, the guy is one of the reasons we’re where we are now.”
About the Author
