Joe Boyd Joe Boyd 6'1" | 215 lbs | DB Linden | 2027 State NJ , who has been a part of the Linden Tigers varsity program from his freshman year, is an interesting prospect that has shown to play running back, quarterback, linebacker, and defensive back. An instinctual player, Boyd does a great job of sniffing out screens and reads reach blocks well, as he flies off the edge to his run fit. He brings a physical presence when tackling, which also shows in how he runs the ball with power and violence. Because of how big and thick he is, you really need to drive through Boyd to take him down. Ball security is important to Boyd, as we see him pin the ball to his chest whenever danger threatens.

2024 Season Stats:
67 rushes, 328 yards, 3 TD
2 receptions, 53 yards
22 tackles (9 solo), 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 int

A prospect that received burn as a freshman made me wait an entire two years before he put out film. Joe Boyd Joe Boyd 6'1" | 215 lbs | DB Linden | 2027 State NJ is a linebacker/running back type that packs a punch. Boyd is a fearless runner that uses his body to punish opponents. He appears to be one of Linden’s go-to goal line options as he takes pride to serving up the boom to defenders. A hard runner, he profiles as a one-cut, down hill and go type back. Boyd excels at moving his feet through contact and through the pile – showing that he has the ability to keep going with up to four defenders on his back. Although he is not one for many moves in the open field or break away bursts, he will lower his shoulder and spin off poor tackles. When tackling Boyd, your best bet is to wrap his legs, low, and roll to your leverage. I also thought he did a nice job of holding the ball tight to his chest. Defensively, as a linebacker he tends to slow play everything. Yes, he takes his read steps but then seems to stop and react, rather than play like an instinctual, following backer. This does, however, play to his benefit. One one play he slow played, saw screen, and oicked it off for a big gain. He recognizes reach quickly, but rather than take on blockers with his hands to shed Boyd tends to use his body to disrupt them. I, personally, like his game as a back a bit more than a backer.