6:00: Morning News

Boyd set for senior season in return to Martinsburg

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Martinsburg’s four-time defending Class AAA state champion team got even better when former standout running back Trey Boyd moved back to West Virginia and is expected to begin preseason practice with the Bulldogs.

“It’s really exciting to be back,” Boyd said. “The love that you get from the city and all of the fans and alumni, it’s been really exciting. All of my family is here and I hope to have a lot of fun during my senior year.”

The rising senior totaled 832 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Bulldogs during his sophomore campaign, despite missing close to half of the season with an injury.

He helped lead Martinsburg to what was its third straight championship in 2012, finishing the title game against Cabell Midland with 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns. One of those scores was an 83 yard touchdown in the second quarter, the state record for the longest run from scrimmage in a Class AAA championship game.

“I was definitely nervous going into my sophomore year at Martinsburg,” Boyd said. “But getting that year under my feet, I realized that with hard work, dedication and commitment, it’s not as hard (to be successful). You have to outwork the people you’re playing against.”

Boyd’s family moved back to Florida in 2013 as he played his junior season for Island Coast High School in Cape Coral, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and 11 total touchdowns.

“We made it to the playoffs and the year overall definitely made me a little smarter,” Boyd said. “My football IQ is a lot higher now. Being around a lot of fast and talented kids, you grow and adapt to your surroundings.

“Compared to the other running backs in that county (in Florida), I feel like I was one of the better ones,” he continued. “But it wasn’t just me. With the team that I was on, the linemen that I had were great and made huge holes for me to run through. With all of the practice that we had, it was hard for me not to succeed.”

Boyd, who runs a 4.5 40 time, said he has added on about 15 pounds since his sophomore year, standing in at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds.

Martinsburg running back Trey Boyd is back for his senior year after playing 2013 in Florida.

“I’ve been getting a lot of love from folks in Martinsburg,” he said. “A lot of people that I’ve talked to are my family. I was born here and I have so much family here. There’s a lot of support, a lot of love and I’m really happy to be back. My teammates are awesome as well.”

Despite being in Florida, Boyd still kept up with the Bulldogs as they went on to win their fourth straight state championship.

“I kept up with them all year and kept thinking to myself how I wished I was up there playing with them,” he said.

Martinsburg already has a stable of running backs returning in Eric Brown and Deamonte Lindsay who carried the rushing load a season ago. Boyd now gives the Bulldogs yet another threat to score anytime he touches the ball.

“As far as I know right now, my role will be something similar to my sophomore year,” he said. “Just rotating in, getting the carries and making the best out of what I can get. I’m not really too worried about starting or anything like that, I just want to do whatever I can to get that fifth ring for Martinsburg.”

Boyd, who has been in contact with WVU defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, saw Lindsay get offered by and committed to the Mountaineers last week — something he hopes will be a possibility for him as well.

“I’m happy for Deamonte – we’re great friends,” Boyd said. “I was happy for him and I told him if they offered, he better commit so that way we could be roommates up there.

“When I was in Florida, Coach Gibson and I communicated a lot as well,” he continued. “I came up for a visit on the Gold-Blue game and toured the facilities. I liked it a lot, we’re just waiting to move forward with a couple of things and hopefully it will eventually work out.”





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