POCATELLO, Idaho- As
Anthony Boyles enters his final year of playing college football, he wants to make sure he is doing everything right on and off the field. Boyles, who is set to graduate with his Master's degree this spring in Health Education, has been doing everything right long before he first started college at the University of Washington where he graduated in three years with a bachelor's degree in American Ethics Studies.
The Bengal defensive back was born in Compton, Calif., and is the fifth of 11 children in his family. At a young age Boyles made a decision that he was going to take care of his school work and graduate to set the example to the rest of his family.
“A lot of my mentors told me that football doesn't last forever and that I need to make academics first and football second,” Boyles said.
Of the 11 kids in Boyles' family, he and another sister are the only college graduates in their family as his sister graduated with a Master's Degree from Cal Berkeley.
Boyles focus on his education has been to set an example to not only his family and friends back home but to his soon-to-be daughter that is expected to be born on December 14.
Until December 14 comes, Boyles has a goal of helping the Bengals win a Big Sky championship and setting an example to his teammates.
“I want to be to the weight room on time and lift hard,” he said. “I want to set the example and take advantage of all the opportunities I have to help the team win.”
In the spring practice Boyles was moved back to cornerback where he played at Washington. The position change was an easy move for the Bengal senior and it has helped that his game is modeled after Philadelphia Eagles safety Nnamdi Asomugha.
“Since I played receiver I know the concepts of routes receivers run,” Boyles said. “It is an easy transition for me.”
When Boyles isn't in practice or playing a game he is at home watching football highlights on the internet or television.
“I watch football all day,” he said. “I never get tired of it.”
The quiet but well-spoken senior is looking forward to the start of the 2012 season and his final year of college football.
“I just want to take it one practice at a time to help us reach our goals as a team,” Boyles said. “College has gone so fast. I just want to take every practice like it is my last.”
When football ends for Boyles his goals are to either be a strength and conditioning coach, a nurse or work with kids.
