Boykin is tops in Chicago
The bar is set high for Miles Boykin. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound wide receiver from New Lenox (Ill.) Providence Catholic was expected to excel at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in Chicago.
Boykin didn't disappoint as he took home MVP honors at his position and was chosen the camp's top performer on offense.
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Recognition and exposure weren't the reasons for Boykin to participate in the camp, however. He already holds a plethora of offers, including Ohio State, Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Missouri, and many others.
Orange and Blue News caught up with Boykin in the morning before the camp kicked off at Main South High School.
"I just want to come out here and compete today," Boykin said. "There are a lot of great players out here and I just want to compete, that what it's all about. For me, I look forward to learning things - picking up things from the receiver coaches."
With his consistent performances and growing list of elite level offers, Boykin is pushing towards 5-star status. He is currently ranked the No. 10 wide receiver in the nation and checks in at No. 114 overall in the Rivals250 for 2015.
Coaches from dozens of schools have been in to his school during the evaluation period that began on April 15, including coaches from Illinois. Look for Boykin to trim his list early in the summer.
"Last week - Arizona State, Michigan State, and Illinois were there," Boykin said. "(Monday) Oregon is coming. I'll come up with my top ten after spring recruiting is over."
Illinois has been in the mix since last summer, with the recruitment of Boykin headed up by offensive coordinator Bill Cubit.
"I have a great relationship with their staff," Boykin said. "I just love all of their coaches. Coach Cubit is my recruiter. Our relationship is great; we will talk about anything, we don't even talk about football anymore. He keeps things as completely honest as he can."
Competition will obviously be tough, but Illinois has been able to continue to draw praise from Boykin and they have a great chance to crack his final list. In an interview with Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Ferrell, Boykin singled out a visit to Illinois as one that stood out to him.
"The second time I went to Illinois with my mom, they just showed love," Boykin said. "That was the best thing. They treated my mom well, and I really liked that."
Illini fans will have to sweat out this recruitment over the summer. Boykin will take some more visits, including a trip to Ohio State this weekend, and make a final college decision before the high school season.
Boykin names three schools that will definitely crack his top ten.
"Illinois, Michigan State, and Notre Dame," he said. "Hopefully in August I'll make my decision."