Note: The following appears in the NC State football gameday program.
Dreams turned into reality for graduate offensive lineman Will Boggs when he had the opportunity to walk on to the Tiger football team. Boggs, who graduated from York (S.C.) Comprehensive High School in 2020, lettered and was named the state’s offensive lineman-of-the-year in 2019 while playing under his father, John, the offensive line coach.
Following this honor, he was invited to play in the Shrine Bowl, which recognizes the top high school football players in North Carolina and South Carolina. Former Tiger Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables was there to witness Boggs’ talent and offered him the opportunity to walk on the following fall.
Boggs never imagined he would have the chance to play at Clemson, but with the support from his family and peers, it became possible. When asked who the most influential person throughout his football career has been, without hesitation, Boggs shared the following.
“My dad, 100 percent. He coached me in high school and he’s the closest friend I have and I’ll ever have. His influence on me to play football has shaped me into the man and player I am.”
Head Coach Dabo Swinney has also been someone who Boggs sees as an extremely influential person in his life. He has taught him not only to be a better player, but a better man as well. From the age of 18, to now 22, Swinney has helped Boggs realize that there is so much to learn. The positive lesson learned is that life offers many opportunities to continue to grow, both on and off the field.
Throughout his career, Boggs has formed close friendships with his teammates and coaches. Since 2020, he has played under three offensive line coaches, Robbie Caldwell, Thomas Austin and Matt Luke. Boggs has had the opportunity to play and practice under all three and explained that they each have taught him something unique and have given him many different opportunities.
Boggs’ favorite memory throughout his Tiger career is the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl victory over Iowa State.
“Because of the way that year went, being 4-3 and then finishing off being undefeated for the rest of the season, winning the bowl was amazing. Being there with the guys and all the activities we did while we were there was so fun.”
Football was not the only aspect that drew Boggs to Clemson. The university’s top-notch engineering program was a big factor behind his choice. He graduated in May 2023 with a degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in construction management. He is currently working towards his MBA and plans to graduate in May. The balance between football and studying civil engineering was difficult, but it had its positives.
“It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.”
Late-night studies and early morning lifts became the norm for Boggs, while his “All In” mentality has been prevalent with school and football. As a walk-on who cares deeply about his academics and athletics, he has gone through many ups and downs. He shared the following advice to younger players hoping to make it big in their careers and sports.
“Take it one day at a time, don’t be overly worried about the future, don’t worry about what you have done in your past, take it one day at a time and think what you can do to make the most of today and every day.”
Next year, Boggs has the opportunity to work in Greenville, where he is slated to do inspection work in the transportation field. The job entails conducting bridge and road inspections and doing quality assurance and quality control.
Boggs plans to apply the leadership skills and strong work ethic he has developed at Clemson to the rest of this season and will continue to utilize them throughout the rest of his life.
