Boulware was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson by the Carolina Panthers following the draft. He saw limited action during the preseason and had just one tackle for Carolina during that time. Boulware was released by the Panthers on September 2.
In 2016, Boulware led the Tigers with 131 tackles in 14 starts while recording 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. It was enough to be named the Jack Lambert Award winner. The two-year starter for Clemson recorded 352 tackles, 26 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, 41 quarterback pressures, 10 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries over 53 games and 31 starts during his college career.
Boulware was named the defensive MVP for the Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.