Draft Buzz: Catching up with Ball State WR Yo’Heinz Tyler

To say Ball State, Wide out, Yo’Heinz Tyler, is different, would be an understatement. Sure, he has the talents, most NFL scouts are looking for. Add to that great size, to make him standout, even more. At 6’3 210 lbs., it is easy to fall in love with his measurables, as well as his potential at the next level. But it is his personality, and humble background that makes, this kid a true stand out. Over the weekend I had the pleasure of sitting down with the New Orleans, native, and got to ask him about his game winning reception, against Eastern Michigan, as well as who he his outside of the football World?

“As far as who I am outside of football, really I’m just me. I am very laid back, not one of them wild dudes. I like to stay low-key, and not go outside myself. As far as that game, i feel like I am made for those moments. Those big moments, I have been through it before, every time it comes down to it, I want to be called on, I want to make the play for my team. I got thrown a perfect ball, and i got in too score. Simple as that really, but to answer your question, I definitely feel like I am made for those big moments.”

Continuing on in the same vein, I asked Tyler, if it was the plan, to go to him in those situations? or just a spur of the moment?

“I feel like as a team, we have so many weapons that could get it done, in those big moments. I feel like the game plan, without going to deep into it, is get the ball to one of the play makers. We can all contribute to the offense, in big ways. I just so happen to of gotten that one, but I have seen all our guys make big plays when it’s needed. We have so many options on the field, but I feel like if the ball is thrown to me, and the game is on the line, I am going to make that catch.”

Scouting a player like Tyler, is one of the more simple jobs, for me personally. With his tools, and skill set, he could easily find a home at the next level. Capable of playing traffic, doing the dirty work, or running an almost complete route tree, the rising star, has the ability to be a legit play maker. What gets questioned (not by me), is the competition he sees week in and week out. I asked him his thoughts when he hears, that although he is talented, he played agaisnt lesser competition, at Ball State?

“Man, I personally feel like their is no difference when it comes to the SEC, ACC, or the MAC, conferences. As far as I am concerned, although we took different routes to get where we want to be, it really isn’t a big difference. I know I can play with and against anyone in College. That goes for my team as well. I know we have talent all over the field, and we can play against anyone really. To the haters, they need to know that college football, is football at the end of the day.”

When you watch the tape, he jumps off the film. Put that and measure his intangibles, and you could put it up against most any college WR out. The conference he plays at shouldn’t be an issue, as he has been a real stand-out. At the end of the day, football is football. Moving on I asked Tyler what set him apart as a player?

“As a player you need that mind set, to go out and work your butt off. I have that mind set, to really put the work in, to get better every day. I know you hear it all the time, but it really is what you have to do, and what I do, I go out and work hard, very hard, to get better every single day. Over the time, I have been through a lot, I went threw a lot, so I am battle tested. I just wanted to work, and work to get better. I don’t want to be outworked. If we lose, or I get beat, it wont be because I was outworked. I think that is what set me apart, from other receivers. “

Eventually Tyler’s hard work, will get him the shot he deserves, at the next Level. Like I said, just put on the tape, and decide for yourself. Given his talent, it’s easy to fall for his potential, but after talking to him, you can see he has the right mind set, to be a name to remember. For those of us, who have seen him play, we expect big things for the kid fro Louisiana, for those of you who aren’t so lucky, Yo’Heinz, might just be the best WR, you never heard of.

Follow me @JonM_Salter