John Yarbrough – Center – Richmond
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
John Yarbrough: 6’5″, 300lb, 5.1.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
John Yarbrough: At the University of Richmond with my strength coach. I’ve got three classes left to get my degree.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.
John Yarbrough: It was great. I came down looking for exposure and that is what I got.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that
weekend?
John Yarbrough: I can compete with everyone at the FCS level. I also noticed some things I needed to improve on before my pro day.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced at the FCS Bowl?
John Yarbrough: #66 (Connor Christian) from Jacksonville State. He was a smart player who was skilled.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
John Yarbrough: South Alabama, Arkansas State, Mercer, Richmond, Memphis, Mississippi State, Gardner Webb, UAB, Samford and probably missing a few.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Richmond?
John Yarbrough: Great education, and we competed for Championships.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
John Yarbrough: I’m athletic. I jumped a 34-inch vertical last off season, I think I can improve my 40-yard dash. The biggest thing I want to be able to show on my pro day is to do those measurables at 300lbs. Another one of my strengths is that I have quick feet, I played basketball throughout high school. Lastly, I am a great communicator and I love the game. Playing center, you have to have everyone on the same page and to do that, you need to understand the offense. I’ve always loved football, being from Alabama made football accessible to me all of my life and I think I’ve made the most of that.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
John Yarbrough: I’d like to tighten up my technique overall. From what I’ve seen, all NFL O-linemen have impeccable technique.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
John Yarbrough: Like all freshmen, I wanted to prove myself. I never had the chance to really come into my own until my freshman spring practice. I started making strides then and competed for playing time my sophomore year until I got my shot to start in the Elon game that year. I haven’t looked back since that. 29 straight starts, started at four positions, played snaps at all five O-line positions and being the glue that held the o-line room together are all things that I think define my time at Richmond.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
John Yarbrough: O-line play is about consistency, so I try not to have highlights or lowlights, but I really enjoyed the Albany game this year. I ended up playing two positions due to an injury my buddy had, but I remember blowing up a guy on a power pull on a pivotal 3rd and 1. That was pretty cool.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are
most proud of?
John Yarbrough: I’m proud of the fact that I was elected captain. That was a humbling experience. I always wanted to be a good teammate and I think that showed I was on the right track.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
John Yarbrough: My position coach, Adam Ross, stressed the detail in every play. The big picture will take care of itself.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
John Yarbrough: Chicago.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
John Yarbrough: Charles Tillman.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
John Yarbrough: Consistency.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
John Yarbrough: I always start by IDing what the front is, 3 man or 4 man, then I look at where they are lined up, wide or tight. I then look at the safeties to see if they are stacking anyone who might be blitzing,
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next
season?
John Yarbrough: Maurice Jackson.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
John Yarbrough: Bilal Nichols from Delaware, he’s on the Bears now.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
John Yarbrough: Accomplishing goals with my brothers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
John Yarbrough: My mother. She always told me to chase your dreams and she showed me how to. She had a great job in banking, but her heart wasn’t in it. She went back to school and became a lawyer when I was in 7th grade. She barely made it in, but persevered and is now the Director of the Volunteer lawyers’ program. I saw her struggle and work and I saw it pay off. She inspires me.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
John Yarbrough: A guy who walks the walk and talks the talk, when necessary.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
John Yarbrough: Listening to music, going to concerts and eating good food with friends.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?
John Yarbrough: I could see myself do a lot. I’ll let my heart decide when I cross that bridge.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
John Yarbrough: Determined, listener, decisive, empathetic and loving.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
