SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On July 29, rookie safety Tre Boston got the news he was waiting for. After sitting out the first four days of training camp while recovering from offseason hernia surgery, he was told he could practice for the first time.
His excitement to be on the field was evident in the way he practiced. The fourth-round draft choice flew from sideline to sideline, screaming out signals at the top of his lungs.
Then, as practice wound down, Boston felt sharp pain in his groin as he provided coverage on a play. Shortly after, he was carted off the field – his moment of bliss short-lived due to a setback.
It's been a frustrating stretch for the rookie, who initially suffered the sports hernia prior to his senior season at North Carolina.
"I played with it my whole senior year," Boston said. "I fought that whole season to just try to play at 80 percent."
He needs to get back to 100 percent, and the surgery was the first step in that process.
It was difficult for Boston to miss the Panthers' preseason opener, but at this point patience is required.
"I'm not going to lie – it really hurt me just watching the guys get ready for the game," Boston said. "Just taking that backseat – anxious isn't even the word. I just wanted to be out there with those guys."
Boston hopes to play in at least one preseason game and he fully intends to take the field in the regular season.
"I'm going to play," Boston said firmly.
In the meantime, he'll continue to be the most energetic Panther on the sideline, bouncing around and motivating his teammates while he waits for another chance to put all of that energy to use on the field.
"When I get back its full blown – you are just getting a little side of it right now," Boston said of his boundless enthusiasm. "I'm just really trying to show guys that I bring the energy. When I get back on the field I plan to do that times 10."
