Carl Boyd (1998) - Hall of Fame

Carl Boyd

Induction:
1998
Class:
1987

Finding Cedar Falls on the map was the first thing Carl Boyd needed to do before deciding on playing football for the Panthers. Boyd's path was leading towards Eastern Illinois, heavily recruited by then Coach Darrell Mudra. But when the EIU coach became the head coach at Northern Iowa, Boyd decided to follow.

:To tell you the truth, I really don't know why I came to Northern Iowa," Boyd said. "Of all the schools that recruited me, this is the last one I wanted. But now I can honestly say, this was the best decision I have ever made."

His time at Percy L. Julian High School in Chicago was very productive. Boyd was named all-section, all-City and all-state two years in a row. Opposing teams underestimated Boyd because of size and did not look at his willingness to win. Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, Boyd worked his way into holding onto the two best rushing seasons in UNI history. In 1985, he rushed for 1,258 yards and in 1987, 1,223. At the time of his graduation, including the playoffs, the two totals put him at no. 1 and 2 on the all-time rushing leaders at UNI.

In 1985, his 17 touchdowns and 116 points led the Gateway Conference in scoring and set school records in TDs scored in a season and points scored in a season. His 1,258 yards and 4.4 yards per carry ranked him fourth in the conference and 22nd in the nation. In 1986, Football News named him 2nd team All-America, and he also earned Associated Press Honorable Mention and first team all-conference honors. In 1987, Boyd was named Offensive Player of the Year in the Gateway Conference and first team all-conference. His season was topped off by being named a Kodak 1st team and an Associated Press 2nd team all-American selection. He also was elected team co-captain his senior year and was a finalist for the NCAA Post-graduate Scholarship. In 1996, Boyd was named to the Gateway Conference All-Decade Team.

During his school years, he was involved in many student organizations, including serving as president of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and of the Ethnic Minority Student Association. He was named Outstanding Young Man of America. In May 1987, Boyd received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Sociology. He then attended Drake University Law School.