NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tygee Leach, DB, Lehigh

Tygee Leach is a hard-hitting versatile defensive back out of Lehigh University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Tygee Leach is a hard-hitting versatile defensive back out of Lehigh University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Tygee Leach
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Weight: 200 lbs.
  • Position: DB
  • College: Lehigh University
  • Twitter: official_ty3
  • Instagram: Tygeeleach

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’m a Product Design major with a minor in Marketing. I have participated on the student body government on the Diversity and Inclusion Constituency, connecting campus groups and educating members. I’m currently on the Student Athletes of Color Leadership Council.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates would say that I am very personable and that I can connect with anyone. I am hardworking, competitive and have a high football IQ.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role is to be one of the team leaders and a coach on the field. I am the leader of my position group, I’ve previously been a team captain and I’m a tone setter. I help younger guys understand our schemes and what they need to do on the field. We tend to play a 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 base scheme where I play a safety/nickel hybrid. We always have 5 DBs on the field, and I’m usually covering the slot. Throughout my career, I have also been a main contributor on special teams as well.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I played against Justin Covington at Villanova who was one of the best RBs that I’ve been matched up with. Jake Maier from UC Davis was one of the top QBs that I have faced. WR Ayir Asante from Holy Cross is a player that I have had some great battles with.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Mikhari Sibblis is a versatile player. I came in with him and watched him grow into a dominant edge rusher. TE Alex Snyder has a huge frame that you just can’t teach. He is a smart, physical athlete who moves very well.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Coming into college, I had 4 upperclassmen who took me under their wing. Going into college, I learned that football was more of a mental game. There were a lot of athletic players, and I had to learn to outthink them. I also needed to adjust to the college lifestyle. I learned how to get my priorities straight and how to be a good student athlete. I also learned my purpose here at Lehigh and found out that I could do more than just football. Joining organizations allowed me the opportunity to leave a lasting impression, creating a better experience for minority athletes.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Maybe basketball. I have been playing since I was 6 years old. I played basketball and ran track in high school. Looking back, I might have played baseball which is more pay and isn’t as physically taxing as football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I will be the first in my household to be a college graduate. I’ve twice received All-League Honors. I’m most proud of earning respect from opposing teams and coaches.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I caught my first college interception during the Spring of 2021. We were playing against Holy Cross and I read the play pretty quickly. I was prepared to put a good hit on the Wide receiver coming my way. Yet, as I saw the ball overthrown, I caught it and raced down the sideline and almost scored.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a huge Philadelphia Eagles and Sixers fan. I like to watch players like Malcolm Jenkins, Jamal Adams, Budda Baker and CJ Gardner-Johnson.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Durk, Rod Wave, and Lil Baby are my favorites. I also listen to Runup Rico who was a personal friend of mine before he passed away. Before games, I like to listen to “Before I go” by Rod Wave and Kodak Black.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Oxtail is my favorite food. My family owns a Jamaican restaurant called Taste of the Islands that everyone should try.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Some of my favorite actors include Kevin Hart, Denzel Washington and Will Smith. Martin is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. Friday Night Lights is a movie I really like.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a very good Madden and FIFA player on PlayStation. Secret talent is I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime real quick.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I consider football an art, and it’s therapy for me. I play because I want to make myself and family proud of what I love to do and hopefully be able to give back to them from the opportunities I earn.

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