2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Henry Yoboue, OT, Youngstown State

• Name: Henry Yoboue
• Height: 6’8”
• Weight: 330 lbs.
• Position: OT
• College: Youngstown State University
• Twitter: LorHendo
• Instagram: Lor.hendo

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?
I graduated from ASA College in Brooklyn with a degree in Business Management. I graduated from Youngstown State with a degree in Communications Spring of 2021. I will be working on adding a minor in Social Work this fall.

While in JUCO, I interned as a secretary in the athletic department. I’ve also been involved with several community service projects at Youngstown State. I’ve participated with Inspiring Minds which is an after school program helping kids. I’ve also volunteered at a homeless shelter, there’s a horse farm that we go to on Wednesdays where we help out disabled kids and clean up after horses.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I am very reliable and a good teammate. I’m personable and easy to get along with.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve played both right and left tackle throughout college. I’m a leader within our position group which shows in the effort that I display in practices and games. I take pride in doing things the right way.

I’m a very long and athletic offensive tackle with 36 inch arms. Most people see me as a finesse tackle although power schemes come naturally to me.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The most impressive player that I’ve seen on the field is Elerson Smith from Northern Iowa. He recently got drafted by the Giants. He was a man among boys. He’s very powerful and quick.

I’ve played against a lot of good edge rushers, and I’m excited for the challenges that I’ll have this season.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Jeremy Webb was a teammate in JUCO. He just recently transferred to Kansas. He’s a freak of an athlete and very fast. It’s not every day that you have 6’4” corners on your team.

Badara Traore is a player that I looked up to in JUCO. He went on to LSU and is now playing with the Chicago Bears. He’s a big guy on the offensive line just like me. He’s also very smart and reliable. He works extra hard in the weight room. He’s a fairly good athlete for a guy his size.

The hardest worker here at Youngstown State has to be Jaleel McLaughlin. He seems to always have energy and never gets tired. He’s just a different athlete all around. He’s got excellent speed and the ability to break tackles.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
After high school, I thought I was done with football. Then, I got a call from Coach Vinny Rizzo at ASA College basically telling me that he needed an offensive tackle and had a scholarship for me if I wanted it. I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity.

I didn’t really get a chance to play my first year in JUCO because we had great guys like Badara Traore on the field. It’s rough not playing, and I had to question whether football was really for me. Although, something in me told me not to quit. I promised myself that I would see it through.

After some playing time, I gained offers from Division 1 programs, which was really the product of hard work, discipline and perseverance.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball was my main sport growing up as a kid and I played throughout high school. I really started focusing on football my senior year. Yet, if I had to play a different sport, it would either be soccer or boxing. I’m a big fan of soccer. I also recently started boxing as part of my training.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Getting my degrees from both ASA College and Youngstown State has been my biggest achievement. I learned not to take education for granted, and it’s something that I’m very proud of.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
There was a game back in JUCO where the opposing DT was talking smack to the guard next me. We ran power on the next play, running a double team on the back side. As soon as the whistle blew, I destroyed that DT taking him to the ground. I didn’t hear another word out of him for the rest of the game.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Cristiano Ronaldo is my all-time favorite athlete. He’s an absolute freak and the best at what he does. Tyron Smith is easily my favorite tackle in the NFL. He’s a freak of an athlete with a physique that you don’t often see with offensive lineman. He’s very poised and keeps his cool, but he’s also strong and aggressive.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Pooh Shiesty. Before games, usually I listen to calm music. I learned not to psych myself up too much before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Being from the Ivory Coast, I’ve always enjoyed the ethnic food that my mom makes. Fried plantains and chicken are some of my favorites. 

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Idris Elba and Denzel Washington are two 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 enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I like playing pick-up games of soccer or basketball. I’ll also occasionally play XBox.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it’s the best team sport, and there’s nothing like it. I love the physical nature of the game and how it brings out your emotions. I play for the guys next to me, and I also play for my mom and sisters. I want to make them even more proud of who I have become as a player and man.