Four-Year UNC Football Defensive Back Enters Transfer Portal

Former UNC football starter DeAndre Boykins is now seeking a new program to call home.
UNC football defensive back DeAndre Boykins
UNC football defensive back DeAndre Boykins / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

First-year UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and his staff had gone over two weeks without seeing any members of the 2024 Tar Heel roster enter the transfer portal. And earlier this week, as a result of some new recent additions, the number of inbound UNC football transfers (16) was up to only one short of the outbound count.

ALSO READ: Tar Heels Ascend in Transfer Rankings Once Again

But on Monday, UNC football redshirt junior DeAndre Boykins became the 18th Tar Heel in this year's transfer portal. Due to the fact that the 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back is now looking to transfer as a graduate student, the deadline for entering the winter portal two weeks ago did not apply to him.

Boykins arrived in Chapel Hill four years ago as a heralded four-star prospect out of Central Cabarrus High School (N.C.). He ranked No. 181 overall and No. 10 in North Carolina on the 247Sports 2021 Composite.

As a freshman in 2021, Boykins appeared in 11 games between his action on special teams and as a reserve in the Tar Heel secondary. The hard-hitter emerged as a full-time starter in all 14 UNC football outings in 2022, recording 67 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, two sacks, two quarterback hurries, one interception, seven pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.

However, Boykins sat out the entire 2023 campaign due to injury. And although he helped out on kick returns this past season, his impact at defensive back took a hit from his sophomore year, tallying only six tackles, one quarterback hurry, and one pass breakup across his 11 appearances.

He has one year of eligibility remaining.

ALSO READ: Lightning Transfer Receiver Commits to Tar Heels

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football transfer portal news.


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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.