TUNNEL HILL — Cincinnati recently pulled another prospect in for a walk-on commitment.
Ayden Boykin is a 5-foot-10 171-pound 2024 cornerback for Archbishop Hoban (Ohio). He is also cousins with former Bearcat and current Seattle Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant.
The talented prospect spoke with All Bearcats to detail his life-changing decision.
“My commitment to Cincinnati wasn’t just based around ball," Boykin said. "Academics have always come first with my journey so far and UC is a great academic program all around. Also, seeing my cousin Coby Bryant ball out on the biggest stage a few years back gave me the push to go and commit. What he was able to do on that island and the eyes he and Sauce (Gardner) brought to the field were something truly inspiring. Lastly, not being too far from home and still being in my home state while playing the sport I love is always something I planned to do when I was younger.
“An alumnus at my high school who is now one of UC’s recruiters got me a good word with D-Coordinator coach (Bryan) Brown. Him knowing what I’ve been through the last couple of years has allowed me to build a relationship with him as well as trust in him and the staff for the next few years.”
Boykin plans to make an impact mentally on this team with a very specific message.
“The idea that talent doesn’t always get you where you want to go," Boykin said about his mentality. "Yeah, the workouts we go through and stuff like that year-round show that you’re working, but what is the extra that you do behind the scenes to make you great? That aspect of the sport is something I’ve accepted since a young age, and bringing it to UC will bring out something different to better my teammates. Trust me.”
Recruits go different ways after committing. Some close their recruitment and some don’t.
“As of now, my recruitment is not 100% closed," Boykin said. "It is about 80%-20%, just making sure me and my family are in the best situation possible for our future.”
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