Boyd is the third-straight linebacker and ninth-straight defensive player to be named the sole captain of the squad. Having such a close relationship with the captains that preceded him has helped Boyd find his leadership style and shape his role as leader of the team.

“All those [captains] had characteristics that coach Murphy looks for in team leaders and what our overall team identity has to be,” Boyd said. “To be that next guy in line following those guys, it’s just an unbelievable honor.”

“He’s always been a tough, really high-intensity, emotional leader,” Harvard coach Tim Murphy said of Boyd. “Sometimes [it’s] not comfortable for kids to hold their peers accountable and get after them a bit. He’s done a great job. He’s as good at it as anyone we’ve had in a long time.”

With only a handful more games left in his Harvard career, Boyd is ready to lead the Crimson on what he hopes will be a charge to the top of the Ivy League standings.

It’s a season the linebacker will look to savor, both on and off the field.

“You definitely don’t take things for granted as a fifth-year guy,” Boyd said. “Being that ‘old man’ gives you more appreciation for the program. You know this is truly it. There’s definitely that sense of urgency, that I have to get the most out of myself, my teammates, and put it all on the line for these next ten games.”

—Staff writer Brenna R. Nelsen can be reached at brenna.nelsen@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @CrimsonBRN.