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Notes: Lions running back Rakeem Boyd is former ‘Last Chance U’ star

The new back starred in Season 3 of the Netflix series.

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Missouri v Arkansas Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

A former Netflix star is soon to become a Detroit Lions star.

Well, that’s the hope at least. Over the weekend, the Lions signed Rakeem Boyd, former Arizona running back and star of the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” as an undrafted free agent.

For those unfamiliar, Netflix’s “Last Chance U” docu-series takes an inside look at junior college football, following the stories of coaches and athletes. Many are struggling with academic or personal issues as they find themselves in this coming-of-age type of series. Boyd was featured in Season 3, while playing football at Independence Community College of Kansas. Here’s the trailer:

The year prior, Boyd was a three-star recruit at Texas A&M but was kicked out due to academic issues. After transferring to ICC, however, he found redemption — rushing for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. “Last Chance U” also touched on his family’s struggles after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and then impacted again by Hurricane Harvey in Houston.

Following his successful season at ICC, Boyd signed with Arkansas where he found even more success. In 2018, he rushed for 734 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games, starting eight. In 2019, he rushed for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns, starting all 12 games. In December 2020, he opted out of the remainder of his senior season and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. He went undrafted, but has found a new home in the Motor City.

I believe that means many passed on him and will come to regret it. Love the attitude. Fellow Razorback Frank Ragnow is here for it:

Onto the rest of your notes.

  • Penei Sewell already spending some time with Lions fans.

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