Following a successful career on the gridiron for Mesquite Horn High School in Texas, Kyle Boyd looked to continue his career at the college level.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker initially gave a verbal commitment to Iowa State but later changed his mind, signing with Baylor in February.
Once again Boyd has changed his mind, but this time his choice is not with football in mind. According to The Dallas Morning News, Boyd has chosen to put his college football career on hold to join the Marines.
“It is totally Kyle’s decision, something that he’s been thinking about for a long time,” said Mesquite Horn head coach Rodney Webb, who added that many close to Boyd suggested he could join the military after college, but that the teenager’s decision could not be swayed.
Baylor head coach Art Briles had nothing but positive remarks for his would-be recruit.
“America is in good hands,” Briles told SicEmSports.com. “It’s hard to fight the USA. We can fight other universities for other players. He’s a great young man.”
Boyd does not begin basic training until February 2012 and will take fall classes at Baylor in the meantime. Briles said the program will not release Boyd from his letter of commitment, opening up the possibility of a return to the football field after his service is done.
Boyd finished his senior season with 116 tackles and four sacks, helping Horn reach the Texas 5A Division II Region II finals for the first time in school history.
