Ryan Yurachek
H-Back – Senior
Marshall
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Ryan Yurachek: I am about 6’1, 241 pounds and my forty time is to be determined. It is somewhere in the 4.6 – 4.65 range.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Ryan Yurachek: I was in Charleston, South Carolina. Now I am back in Huntington, West Virginia. I am getting ready for my pro day.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from you at the Pro Day?
Ryan Yurachek: It is on March 7th. I will put everything on display for as many scouts as possible. I want to show what I could do. I am a little bit faster than what they think.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the College Gridiron Showcase in Dallas, Texas?
Ryan Yurachek: It was a really good experience. It allowed me to put some new stuff on my film. I was lining up at a true fullback position. I interviewed with 10-12 teams. I played FB and TE.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback did you receive from scouts at that all-star game?
Ryan Yurachek: I am the ultimate tweener. I had to explain and show what I could do. I am an H-back at the next level. I need to get into the right system. I will play special teams. I showed my blocking skills. I can split out and can catch the ball.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Ryan Yurachek: It is hard to get recruited to college as a 6’1 TE. Marshall, App State, The Citadel Liberty and some FCS schools showed interest. A lot of coaches told me that I wouldn’t play in D-I because of my height. I was very undervalued.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Marshall?
Ryan Yurachek: I clicked with the coaching staff. I build a good relationship with them. The fan base here is unlike any other. It is something that stuck with me. This is a football city.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Ryan Yurachek: I played as a true freshman. I had 20 catches and a couple of TD’s. I started my sophomore year and I have been an all-conference player every year. We won the Conference Championship in 2014. I had a successful career. I am second all-time in all receiving categories for a TE at Marshall. We won three bowl games. We won eight games my senior year. It was an amazing time. I had a great career. I ended up with at least one catch in 42 straight games.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Ryan Yurachek: Catching the ball and route running. I have a very good overall knowledge of the game.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Ryan Yurachek: Blocking. I have become a good blocker, but I need to become great in that area.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Ryan Yurachek: The highlight for me was getting the bowl win this year. We went 3-9 in 2016. We had to build the program back up. We beat Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl. I caught a TD. I also caught a pass to seal the game on the last drive. I converted a third down.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Ryan Yurachek: I am a lifelong Panthers fan. I am from Greensboro, North Carolina.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Ryan Yurachek: I am a big Greg Olsen guy. I try to model my game after him. I am also a big Jason Witten guy. They are great people.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
Ryan Yurachek: Having a well-rounded game. A tight end is a difficult position. You have to catch the ball and block. You have to know the OL and RB assignments.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Ryan Yurachek: WR Tyre Brady and DL Ryan Bee.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?
Ryan Yurachek: It is a tie between Bradley Chubb and Marcus Davenport. They are both great football players. They were difficult to play against this past year.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Ryan Yurachek: The competitive nature. You are competing every day whether it is during spring ball or in the weight room. I like the structure of it. I like being around my teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Ryan Yurachek: I am a big golfer. I like to hang out with friends.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Ryan Yurachek: I want to go into athletic administration. My dad is in athletic administration. I want to follow in his footsteps. I would also enjoy coaching.
Alex Khvatov: Finish the sentence, Ryan Yurachek is….
Ryan Yurachek: Humble, hard-working and giving. I help out in the community.
