During a January interview with NC Football News, Barton head coach Chip Hester recapped the 2024 season, looked ahead to 2025 and discussed the program’s upcoming move to Conference Carolinas. After the interview, Hester followed up with an email to make sure one name wasn’t left out of players to watch in ‘25: E’Lla Boykin.
“He was SAC Defensive Freshman of the Year,” Hester wrote. “He really came on strong last year and is only going to get better.”
While Boykin (Mount Olive | Southern Wayne) won’t be wearing Barton colors this fall, Hester and the Bulldogs can take solace in watching one of their own make the bold jump to the ACC. The 6-4, 240-pound edge rusher announced earlier this week that he has committed to Boston College for the 2025 season – making that rare but impressive leap from D2 football to a D1 ‘Power Four’ program.
“I chose Boston College football because it offers everything I was looking for in a program and a school,” Boykin told Eagle Insider, a Boston College team site on the 247Sports network. “The atmosphere around the team is electric, and there’s a strong sense of community and pride that stands out the moment you step on campus. The support from the fans, alumni, and students is unmatched, and it truly feels like a family.”
https://t.co/dqAKe4tlXn — E'Lla Boykin (@LlaBoykin) November 30, 2024
Boykin burst onto the scene at Barton a year ago, finishing with 55 tackles from his linebacker spot – tied for fourth-most on the roster – as well as 3.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks and an interception.
He garnered immediate D1 attention after putting his name in the portal following Barton’s spring game (which he played in). Boykin reported offers from West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, South Alabama and Western Kentucky. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
“Great year this past season,” Boykin posted on X in February. “Still have a lot to prove.”
Boykin originally chose Barton over a handful of other D2 offers, including Shaw and Elizabeth City State. His career arc has certainly amplified since committing to the Bulldogs in February 2024.
Boston College does not play any of North Carolina’s four ACC schools this season.
