8/10/03

Two-Minute Drill: Reed Boyd

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Right now you are practicing at the strongside linebacker position after playing middle linebacker. Has that been a tough adjustment?
"It really hasn't been too difficult. I played safety for most of high school so I'm used to covering guys on pass plays. This is also my fifth year at UT so I feel very comfortable with what everyone is supposed to be doing on defense. I think it might have been a tougher transition when I was younger, but I feel very comfortable right now."

There are a lot of young linebackers on the UT roster. Do you try to be a leader with those guys?
"Every senior on this team knows it's their responsibility to be a leader. Derrick Johnson and I are the older guys of the linebackers and we try to make sure we're helping out the younger players. We make sure they know the plays and where they need to be in every situation. I think the most important thing is to lead by example. I think having a positive attitude, and a good work ethic is something that rubs off on the younger guys and helps them immensely."

Speaking of Derrick, what is it like playing linebacker with him?
"As soon as Derrick got here you could see how much athletic ability he had. His freshmen year, he was kind of all over the place because he didn't know the schemes very well. Last year, you could tell he had a much better understanding of the game. This year, he is even more prepared and he is really ready to put it all together. It's going to be scary how dominant he is this season. I know one thing, it's awesome having him on our team."

Do your parents still plan to tailgate at most of the games?
"I haven't talked to them about it yet, but I can't imagine them not doing it again. My parents are at every game and my aunts, uncles and both of my grandmothers usually make most of the games. My dad has a whole closet full of UT clothes, and I don't think he's missed a game since I got here. If it's a night game, they will start tailgating by 11 a.m. and 50 or 60 people are usually there. Most of the guys parents come down as well and they all have a great time every Saturday."

You're a finance major like Kalen Thornton. Do you guys spend much time talking about the stock market?
"Kalen and I chat about it every once in awhile. I know we both put in a lot of hours studying, but it's worth it. I want to see where football takes me after this year, but it's awfully nice to have a degree from the McCombs School of Business to fall back on."

When you're not studying finance or a playbook, what are you usually doing for fun?
"Sleeping. With my schedule I'm always happy to find some extra time to grab some sleep. Other than that, I'm a big outdoors guy. I like anything to do with hunting and fishing. Something that is relaxing and is outside is always high on my list."