Deon Yelder
Tight End – Senior
Western Kentucky
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Deon Yelder: 6’4, 255, 4.6 forty.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Deon Yelder: I train at XPE in Boca Raton with Tony Villani.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day and what are your expectations on that day?
Deon Yelder: It is on March 30th. I plan to show that I am very versatile. I have the speed and the strength. I want to show my power and agility. I have been very well coached. I am a great route runner.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the NFLPA Bowl in California?
Deon Yelder: It was a great experience. I met a lot of new guys. There were a lot of top athletes. They would teach you new techniques. I picked up things that I needed to work on. It was a blessing. We would have film study and meetings. I enjoyed my time. I appreciated that they gave me the opportunity.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing you took away from the NFLPA Bowl?
Deon Yelder: Get yourself to practice early and compete. Give it your all. Make plays and keep working.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback did you receive from scouts at that all-star game?
Deon Yelder: They told me that I had the size and the talent to play in the league. I was an all-around TE. I can catch and block. I just need to keep working and continue to practice my technique. I need to continue to grind. Don’t get satisfied and be hungry.
Alex Khvatov: How honored were you to get invited to the Senior Bowl?
Deon Yelder: I was a late addition when a couple of TE’s went down with injuries. I got there on Tuesday night. I practiced on Wednesday and Thursday. It was a big honor. I was competing against the top athletes around the country. It was just a grind. The other TE’s welcomed me. It was a blessing, and I embraced it. The Texans coaching staff helped me the whole week.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your experience at the Senior Bowl.
Deon Yelder: The Senior Bowl practices were more televised. The practices were for the whole public to see. The competition was about the same with the NFLPA Bowl. The coaching was good at both events. It was a great experience. It was great exposure to be at the Senior Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Deon Yelder: There was a lot of interest, but the offer never came. Western Kentucky gave me a preferred walk-on spot.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Western Kentucky?
Deon Yelder: I went there years ago. It was the school I wanted to go to. Coach Petrino and Coach Brohm recruited me. I fell in love with the staff. It is a school I knew a lot about.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Deon Yelder: I didn’t play the first year. I was still grinding. We went to four bowl games. I played a lot of special teams my sophomore year. I blocked a PAT my junior year against Middle Tennessee State which led us to another conference championship. We were back-to-back conference champs.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your senior season.
Deon Yelder: A lot of people didn’t buy into the new coaching and the new offensive system. We did the best we could. We went 6-7 and lost the bowl game. I give credit to Coach Sanford. I put in countless hours with my positional coach. I finally started my senior year. I took off from an individual standpoint. Mike (White) gave me the opportunity. I played every game like it was my last game. I had 52 catches for 688 yards and seven TD’s. I also rushed for a TD. I played a key role on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Deon Yelder: I am a leader. I show the way for younger guys. I am vocal. I am very strong and athletic as a TE. I am very physical. I catch the ball and run routes well. I get open, find holes and get vertical. I am very versatile. I play special teams as well. I want to help my team win in any way.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Deon Yelder: I am working on my blocking the most. I am not dominant, but I get the job done. I watch the tape and work hard. I have improved as a blocker.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like following in the footsteps of Tyler Higbee?
Deon Yelder: I was very close to him. It was a blessing. He taught me a lot of things. I watched him as a receiver and as a blocker. He had a killer mindset every game. He never backed down from anybody just like me. He put it all on the line.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Deon Yelder: Blocking the kick against Middle Tennessee State. I also had five catches for 112 yards and two TD’s against Georgia State.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Deon Yelder: The Dallas Cowboys. I always watched them. I also grew up playing for a team called the Cowboys as well.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Deon Yelder: Terrell Owens. I loved his enthusiasm. He had fun. He was my favorite receiver. My favorite TE’s are Jason Witten, Tyler Higbee, Jack Doyle, Delanie Walker and Travis Kelce.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
Deon Yelder: You have to be physical. You have to be able to catch and block.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Deon Yelder: TE Mik’Quan Deane, WR Lucky Jackson, WR Xavier Lane, WR Quin Jernighan, RB D’Andre Ferby, CB DeAndre Farris, P Jake Collins and S Drell Greene.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your QB Mike White?
Deon Yelder: Mike White is a great QB. He is a great leader. He is very vocal. He listens and helps you out on and off the field. I met Mike on the scout team. He helped me get my shot.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?
Deon Yelder: #7 DE Oshane Ximines from Old Dominion was a junior. He played a variety of roles for the team. He played wide. He was smart. He used his technique well.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Deon Yelder: Giving back. I like teaching guys how to do it and how to overcome problems. Football relieves my stress. It is about having fun and bonding with my teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Deon Yelder: I like to go fishing. I play PS4 and watch sports.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Deon Yelder: I am focused on the NFL.
