One of NC State’s key defensive players remains sidelined. Here’s when he might return

N.C. State safety Devan Boykin will not make his 2024 debut until at least October, Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said on Monday during his weekly press conference.

Boykin sustained an ACL injury in December and will be out through September. It’s unclear exactly when Boykin is set to return.

“(I) can’t really give you a date on that, because every month we kind of reassess where guys are at as they get to this stage of the ACL recovery,” Doeren said.

The graduate student played 11 games last season, contributing career-bests in total tackles (54), tackles for loss (3), interceptions (3) and fumble recoveries (1). He tied his season-high in passes defended (4).

In his four-year Wolfpack career, Boykin has totaled 117 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 11 passes defended.

Graduate transfer Ja’Had Carter missed the season opener against Western Carolina but is expected to make an appearance this week.

“He wasn’t 100% and so our plan is to have him ready,” Doeren said on Thursday. “I think he could have played tonight, but I think having him 100% for these next couple games is more important. You’ll see him against Tennessee and in games to come.”

Doeren reiterated that point on Monday.

“Ja’Had will play,” he said. “He’s ready to go. We practiced last night.”

Carter spent three years with Syracuse and one with Ohio State. He received All-ACC Honorable mention with the Orange in 2022 and has recorded 142 total tackles in his previous four seasons.

The No. 24 Wolfpack faces the No. 15 Volunteers on Saturday in Charlotte for Duke’s Mayo Kickoff. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.