Comments from new Panthers receiver Jarrett Boykin, who had a conference call with Carolina media Friday afternoon[gap size=”1.713em”]
On coming back to play in Charlotte:
“It feels pretty good to come back home. Familiar territory, familiar with the area, great supporting cast. I grew up watching this team. I actually went to my first NFL game which was the Panthers. It happened to be the year they went to the Super Bowl.”
Which game was that?
“I want to say it was Carolina versus Jacksonville. It was way back in the day. My cousin took me to the first when I first moved up here. I enjoyed it.”
Did you have a favorite Panthers receiver?
“Yeah, everybody knows Steve Smith. He was a small, scrappy guy. He brought a lot of heart to the field, and me being young, that’s definitely the type of player you want to see, that’s going to bring the best out of you. It’s inspiring watching guys like that play.”
Was playing in Charlotte one of the reasons you signed with Carolina?
“There were definitely deciding factors. Of course, there were different opportunities with other places, but at the end of the day, my agent and I selected who was the best fit to come in and compete. It was an opportunity to come in here and try to seize the moment, and try to do what I can do to bring whatever I’ve got to the table.”
What did the Panthers tell about your role here?
“They definitely said there would be opportunities there. With that being said, I just figured it was an opportunity for me to go in and do what I can do. Nothing’s set in stone until I go out there and prove myself on the field. That’s what matters most. Once I go out there and do what I have to do as a football player, I’ll just try to let everything else take care of itself.”
On 2013 struggles:
“I started the season as the No. 3 and then I got banged up. I had a groin injury the following week. The coaching staff and the team, they never got down on me. They supported me 100 percent. We had Davante Adams, and a couple other young guys stepped in and played really well while I was out. Coming back, I kind of saw my role diminished a little, so I just tried to seize the moment and do whatever I could on special teams, contribute in any way possible. I never hung my head. I just kept working. That’s all I know how to do.”
Which special team units did you play on?
“I was pretty much on all four core. Interchangeable in different positions. I feel like every player plays special teams, and you have to be able to contribute in certain areas. So whatever role they have me competing for, going into it, I’m ready to take on the challenge.”
What are your impressions of the other receivers on the Panthers’ roster?
“They have a great young, talented group. They’ve got the veteran in Cotchery. They’ve got Ginn back. They’ve got Philly as a speedster. They’ve got Benjamin, who had an outstanding year last year. I feel like that’s a great group that’s ready to keep taking a step forward to become great.”
How would you describe yourself as a receiver?
“I’m more of a physical receiver. I use my body to shield off DBs, and try to get the tougher catches.”
When did you move to Charlotte?
“I got here around sixth or seventh grade. It was in middle school. There were job opportunities for my mom and dad, and I had relatives that lived up here at the time. That was more than enough to bring me to the area, and I’ve been here ever since.”
Where did you move from?
“Chattanooga, Tennessee. That’s where the remainder, or the majority of my family is right now.”
Have you lived in Charlotte during the offseason?
“Every time after the season was over in Green Bay, I always came home here for the offseason and then head back to GB in April. With the case being different this year, obviously I’m here now.”