Ky’el Hemby / Safety / Southern Miss
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Ky’el Hemby: I am 6’0 and about 205.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you training for the 2021 NFL Draft?
Ky’el Hemby: I am training with Pete Bommarito in Davie, Florida. I started at the end of January.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Ky’el Hemby: Friday, March 26th. I want to show them my athleticism and speed. Speed was one of the question marks about me. I have good speed. I also want to showcase my technique.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about the College Gridiron Showcase all-star game.
Ky’el Hemby: It was an awesome event. Lots of networking, and I learned a few things. There were former NFL guys. Being able to showcase my talents in front of 100 some scouts. We had combine drills the last day.
Alex Khvatov: How was your Hula Bowl experience?
Ky’el Hemby: Hula Bowl was awesome. I went to Hawaii. It was a blessing. It was similar to CGS. I was networking with scouts. We had practices and the game. It felt like an actual all-star game experience. Mike Singletary and Rex Ryan were awesome.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Ky’el Hemby: I played basketball and ran track. I was a sprinter. I ran 100m, 200m and 4x100m. 200-meters was my best event. I ran a 21.7 time. I earned a gold medal in my conference. In the 100m, I ran a 10.8 time.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Ky’el Hemby: I played everything. RB, slot receiver, safety, and mainly corner in high school. I was an athlete who also played special teams.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Ky’el Hemby: Coming out of high school, I wasn’t from a heavily recruited area. I had some FCS schools. Syracuse and Indiana checked in on me. I always felt that I had more potential to play for an FBS school.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at a junior college?
Ky’el Hemby: My head coach knew the recruiting coordinator from the Iowa Western junior college. He actually coached Stefon Diggs back in high school. After I got there, he left to go to Penn State. I spent two years at JUCO. The first year, I redshirted. I was just learning and developing. I played the following year.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Southern Miss?
Ky’el Hemby: I had a few FBS schools that reached out. Southern Miss was the first opportunity. They had a good football history and culture. They made me feel like I would fit in. It was a great place for me. Their DB’s went to the NFL before I got there. Two got drafted, and two got picked up as free agents. They needed me. It felt like home. It was a loyalty thing. They gave me an opportunity.
Alex Khvatov: How would you sum up your overall career?
Ky’el Hemby: The three years were awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My first year, we were No.2 or No.3 ranked defense in the country. We had a good year. I made an immediate impact. I had six INT’s that year. It went well. I had three consistent years in college. My team and my coaches made things happen. I am also proud of the bonds I made.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Ky’el Hemby: Definitely my aggressiveness and athleticism. I am a willing tackler and I have good ball skills. I had nine picks during my career. I have a nose for the ball. The main key for me is my versatility. It is my biggest strength. I can play anywhere.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Ky’el Hemby: Recognition and awareness. It comes from watching the extra film. Being more fluent with my technique. I have been grinding and getting better.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Ky’el Hemby: The whole first season at Southern Miss. What we did as a program. We were a top defense in the country. It is definitely my highlight. We performed well as a team. I will always remember it.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Ky’el Hemby: Our whole coaching staff got wiped out this season. I learned that character goes a long way. This year has made me a better player and a better man. We faced adversity all year.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Ky’el Hemby: I am a Ravens fan. I have been following them since I was little. I am born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Ky’el Hemby: It has always been Ed Reed. I model my game after him. I always wanted to be a ball hawk like him.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Ky’el Hemby: Southern Miss will be amazing next season. RB Frank Gore Jr, LB Santrell Latham, corner Natrone Brooks, and corner Camron Harrell. We have vets up front with Jacques Turner and Eriq Kitchen. Watch out for everybody next season.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Ky’el Hemby: WR Jaelon Darden from North Texas. He is very fast. He always had good games against us. We are cool. We are friends.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a safety?
Ky’el Hemby: I believe the most important characteristic is your football IQ. You need to be able to process information quickly. LB’s and corners are coming to you for help, and you need to make checks at the line of scrimmage.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Ky’el Hemby: I love the game. It brings peace to me. Football is my scapegoat. I am happy when I am out there. It brings joy to me. I like to get physical and hit someone legally.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Ky’el Hemby: I like to relax. I like to read, play video games, watch TV, hang out with my girlfriend and family.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Ky’el Hemby: My younger brother is committed to Maryland to play RB there. I want to give something back to the community in Baltimore, Maryland. I want to make a positive impact in the community. Maybe do training or have a gym in the future. It will definitely be something around sports.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Ky’el Hemby: My personality and my character. I am selfless. I tend to be the guy that everyone gravitates to. No one has a grudge against me. I am a very willing person. I touch people in the right way.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Ky’el Hemby: Genuine, humble, hardworking, dedicated, and loving.
