NC State junior safety Shawn Boone’s potential breakout season had to be put on hold last year due to injuries, but he’s healthy and ready to show what he can do.
Boone brooke into the starting lineup at strong safety in the win at Wake Forest in the seventh game of the season, and followed with a start against Clemson the next week. Injuries struck and he missed four of the last five games of the season.
Becoming a vocal leader is one of Boone’s goals this spring, which culminates in the Kay Yow Spring Game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.
“It was really frustrating because I never have been out of football my whole life that long,” Boone said. “It really brought me back to my senses. I really love this game.”
The 5-foot-10, 201-pounder end up with 12 tackles and one sack in nine games played. He had a season-high five tackles in the 56-41 track meet loss against Clemson, but he hopes his sideline perspective can help the defense.
“You have to be able to move sideline-to-sideline across the field,” Boone said. “You have to make sure you get the team lined up and be loud, and be physical. Being physical is the most important thing, and to cover the slot receivers.”
Boone was frustrated in watching the Wolfpack defense give up 96 points the last two games, and there wasn’t much he can do about it. He said there is pressure on the defense and safeties in general to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“[Safeties and co-special teams coordinator] Coach [Clayton] White wants us to be the best group on the field,” Boone said. “We are the quarterbacks of the defense. If we aren’t right, then everyone else isn’t lined up right. It falls back on us.
“In order for us to be a great defense that we want to be in the ACC and nation, we have to be able to play together. It starts from the front to the back, but the back end helps them out.”
Boone was able to work out during spring break with one of his two favorite NFL players — safety Matt Elam of the Baltimore Ravens. The “Honey Badger,” Tyrann Mathieu of Arizona Cardinals is his other favorite, but Elam has always given back to the players at Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) Dwyer, where Boone and former NCSU quarterback Jacoby Brissett played high school football.
“Elam is my guy, my brother,” Boone said. “He has helped me a lot. I was just working out with him all week this past break, and he gets me right. I watch a lot of film on him and Tyrann, just to get my game versatile. They play in the slot and play back.”
Elam has set up a foundation in his home area and has always been willing to give back to his high school and community. He also told Boone the key to staying healthy.
“He said to stay in the training room and do what you have to do,” Boone said. “You make sure you treat your body like a temple.”
Boone has 28 tackles in 258 career plays at NC State the last two years. However, he is looking for his first interception. He wouldn’t out-right predict a pick in the Kay Yow Spring Game, but he’s looking for one. He has been spending extra time on improving his hands.
“We will show we are physical and to be sound,” Boone said. “We’ll have great technique, make plays and have fun.
“If it happens [an interception], it happens. If I have the opportunity, trust me, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
Boone admitted it was a little weird not seeing Brissett under center for the Wolfpack. The two friends have known each other since middle school. He’s excited to watch the upcoming NFL Draft on April 28-30 to see where he’ll go.
“I was a freshman when he was a senior [at Dwyer], and I watched all their games that year,” Boone said. “Even when I was in middle school, I watched him and Matt Elam win a state championship. It’s been a real good thing. Our connection will always be there.”
Read more about NC State’s practices in The Wolfpacker’s spring football headquarters
