2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kyeon Taylor, CB, Kean University
- Name: Kyeon Taylor
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 206
- Position: CB
- College: Kean University
- Twitter: KyeonTaylor
- Instagram: K1.taylor
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My major is in Criminal Justice, and I have a minor in Public Administration. I have participated in community service with my teammates. We recently went to a school and read books to kids. I used to go to a food shelter and pack meals too.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates would say that I’m very outgoing, and that I’m a hard worker. The younger players know that I’m approachable, and they ask me questions.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skillset?
I’ve been a big playmaker during my years at Kean. People expect me to do something great every game. I’ve really shown them that I am someone to rely on for that. I am able to shut down one side of the field for our defense.
As far as scheme, we play a lot of zone, although I enjoy being in press-man coverage where I can use my strengths. During Spring, I have practiced in nickel in certain packages. Yet, I am most comfortable playing outside corner. I’ve played on every special team. The only thing I haven’t played is returner, and that’s because we have an All-American specialist doing that.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
My sophomore year, I was matched up against a good receiver at Montclair State named Kason Campbell. He was a quick slot receiver who drags his routes well. He had great hands and moved really well. He was a shifty return specialist as well.
Another guy that comes to mind is Elijah Parker. He was a big 6’3 receiver at Utica before recently transferring to Arizona State. He’s a very aggressive receiver that knows how to position himself for the catch.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Dante Capozzoli was an All-American LB for our team. He was a very hard worker and probably the greatest leader that ever walked into our program.
Aaron Cottrell is my roommate and good friend that plays LB. I believe he is going to turn some heads this year. He was First Team All-Conference last year as a first-year starter. Now that Dante has moved on, I expect Aaron to blow up this season and likely be an All-American.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My recruiting experience was a bit of a struggle. I had only played one full year of high school football, and I really wasn’t the best student. It was hard seeing college scouts come in and talk to some of the other players while I was getting looked over. Not a lot of people knew who I was. I didn’t know what was going on and where I was going to end up. I thought that I might go to community college. I took it upon myself to go to a meeting so that I could meet more coaches. Showing them my portfolio, I was able to link up with the people at Kean who brought me in for a visit, and the rest is history.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I played in an AAU league from elementary school all the way through middle school. I even played basketball in high school one year.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
One of the plaques that I have is one for being the 2021 NCAA Statistical Champion for most Ints per game in the nation. I had 8 Ints in 9 games and was also named a Cliff Harris Award Finalist.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I had a crazy one-handed Int in a scrimmage that I thought was great. My best in-game moment was during my sophomore year in 2019 against Wesley who was ranked at the time. I had a pick 6 versus their top receiver who had been a transfer from Rutgers.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a fan of all the teams in the Philadelphia area (Eagles, Sixers and Phillies). Devin McCourty is a player that I’m a big fan of. I met him through a friend, and he invited me to his camp.
A player whose film I like is Xavien Howard. A lot of people overlook him. He’s an underdog that works really hard. I have a lot of respect for his game.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Lil Baby. I’ve been rocking him since high school. His song “Freestyle” is one I like to listen to before games.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite snack food is ranch flavored sunflower seeds. My favorite meal would be some kind of seafood like shrimp or crabs. Crab Du Jour is a restaurant that’s top tier.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Rush Hour movies are some of my favorites. I have enjoyed watching the All-American series on TV. Chris Tucker and Ice Cube are some of my favorite actors.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I just like to chill with some of my family that I don’t see all the time. One of the interesting things about me is that I was once in a talent show dancing to T Pain’s song “Freeze”.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love to compete. I love the relationships that you make and everyone that you meet along the way. Football brings a lot of people together whether they go to the game or just watch on TV. What motivates me is my family like my mom and grandma. I love having them come watch me play. I’ll also be the first in my family to graduate from college, and I want to make them proud.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.