2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Yahsyn McKee, DB, Miami (OH) University

- Name: Yahsyn McKee
- Position: DB
- College: Miami (OH) University
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 171 lbs
- X (Twitter): @onlyfrizzz
- Instagram: @onlyfrizz
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I was born into football, my mom was a cheerleading coach while I was growing up so I was always on the field. I started playing when I was 3. I was just a mascot then. I got in my first game at four years old and I just took off. I scored almost every time I touched the ball. It’s almost like I was born to play football.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Honestly in all my life time favorite moments from football was little league scoring 5 times after halftime when we were down 28 points. Ended up winning the game. In high school it was my freshman year going up against a 5 star WR and completely locking him down as a freshman. And in college I would say playing against Cincinnati and blocking the game winning field goal and getting the game ending interception.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I honestly just want to play at the highest level. I’ve been in love with football since the day I was born. I just want to be the best player I can possibly be and provide for my family. My family has been through many ups and downs, it’s time for us to be able to enjoy ourselves.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
I would probably say Derrell Revis, Jaire Alexander or maybe Deion Sanders. I feel like my game resembles them a lot and I could learn and pick up a few things from them.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My mom inspires me the most. She’s literally superwoman. My aunt was murdered and she took in her kids and all while raising her own kids. So that’s 12 kids in total. My mom has always been there for every last one of us even while we were struggling. She always found a way and made a way for us. No matter what it was, my mom has always been there for us. She deserves the world and more.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
I’ve played in a bunch of defensive schemes. From Cover 2, cover 3, Cover 4. I think from experience playing cover 4 at corner would be my favorite because it gives the corner more advantages on how to play it. Reading 2 to 1 is very simple to me and I have the option to trigger if I read RPO. As far as the safety standpoint I like cover 3. Being able to be in the middle of the field and read the QB has always been easy for me.
What should we know about Yahsyn McKee the person?
I’m a very conservative person outside of football, I’m loving, caring and I love to spread positivity. There’s a lot that goes on in life outside of football and life is too short to be negative. So I like to keep myself and others around me happy. I always have a smile on my face. Becoming a dad just made me enjoy life even more.
What stands out about your film the most?
I’m always in the right place at the right time. Some people call me lucky, but no, I’m a very smart player. I feel like my iq of football just puts me above a bunch of other players especially since I’ve played both sides of the ball. I’m aggressive, fearless and my quickness is off the charts. I feel like all these things stand out in my film.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I pray, I talk to God. I ask God to guide me in the right direction and protect me and allow me to make the right decisions. I talk to my family, I take a second and just breathe. I handle challenges pretty well. I know how to adjust and adapt fast.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A team would get a natural born leader, a smart and intelligent player, a naturally gifted athlete, and a very outgoing player. I’m a go-getter. When people say it can’t be done I’ll find a way to make it happen.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
Football is my peace, I love stepping out there on the field and performing and showing the world the gifts God has given me. I love the thrill of the game, I love the hitting, the clutch moments, the excitement
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
I’m the most underrated player I’ve played with. And that’s why I go so hard. I’ve always been told I’m too small or not big enough. And everytime on every game day, I consistently prove people wrong. There’s no doubt in my mind that when I step on the field I’m the best player on the field. You can line anyone up in front of me and I’m that confident in myself to win.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen