2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sylvain Yondjouen, DL, Georgia Tech

• Name: Sylvain Yondjouen
• Position: DL
• College: Georgia Tech
• Height: 6′ 4″
• Weight: 250 lbs
• X(Twitter): @sylvainHYK
• Instagram: @sylvain_hyk

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Well I was a soccer player before I was a football player. When I got an invite to my first American football practice, I was instantly hooked by the energy that my teammates brought and the intensity of the game itself. Those are things that still keep me hooked to this day.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

There are three that come to mind. Before Georgia Tech, when I started training to travel to the US for the college camps during the summer, being able to discover the United States with a group of guys I just met that have the same exact dream as me- to be able to make it to a top level college football team coming from overseas, was unforgettable. The memories I made and the relationships that I built have a special place in my heart.

My very first college football game against Clemson in 2019. I didn’t even step on the field during the game the entire time. When I first ran out on that field and onto the sideline, I couldn’t help but to look around and see all the fans in the stadium. I think that was the first time in my life where I saw so many people in one place.

Another favorite moment was my first Georgia Tech bowl game in Tampa. I tore my ACL in the first game of that season, but I wanted to make sure I was the one person that my team could rely on, even if I was not playing the game with them, so I was with them any time I could be. My first time tearing my ACL, I was very skeptical on how I was going to come back and I ended up isolating myself and just focusing on my rehab. I did not want to repeat this cycle this time and being more involved with my teammates just on the sidelines during practice, lifts, and meetings helped me a lot during my rehab. I really enjoyed being actively involved and hyping up my teammates who are enjoying playing and winning since a win for them is a win for me.

Last is when we beat Miami at home. That win created a feeling I haven’t felt before. All I could do for the first 10 minutes after was stand there and just watch all the people jump over the seats to celebrate on the field with us. Everyone was smiling and cheering, it was indescribable. I took as many pictures with fans and gave out as many high fives as I could. I couldn’t stop smiling!

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to be the football player that I know I can be. Yes, I had a late start to the game compared to to others, but I have learned so much during my time at Georgia Tech and I know there is so much more I can learn and improve on. I also want to make my home country of Belgium proud and put them on the map. There are a lot of people back home who started playing American football before me but never had the incredible opportunities I’ve had. I owe it to all of them to try my best to get to the highest level of football I can, and that is the NFL.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Growing up in Belgium, I did not know the game of football, the players, or the teams all too well. One name I did hear was Tom Brady. Once I got to the US, I was able to ask and learn more about who he is and what he accomplished in his career, so he would be my choice.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My entire family inspires me daily, but if I had to choose, both of my parents have inspired me the most. They have always pushed me to my limits because they knew that I haven’t hit it yet. They always believed in me and supported throughout my entire football career.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Personally, I enjoy a 4 man front more than a 3 man front. I played in both schemes and I enjoyed playing and learning the game with a 4 man front better. 

What should we know about Sylvain Yondjouen the person?

I come from a big family where I have two younger brothers and one older sister. We spent a lot of time together growing up, and because of that I have developed a very positive attitude and I enjoy spreading it with the people around me. This includes both on the field and off the field. I have been told throughout my process of getting to the US and playing with different coaches that I am naturally very coachable and never negative. I learned that from the way I was raised with my siblings.

What stands out about your film the most?

When I watch my film, what I notice is my intensity and my will to get to the ball and do my job. I consider myself relentless and won’t give up until that whistle is blown and the play is officially over.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Challenges don’t scare me, I take them on. Whether that is a challenge in life or in football, I will do what needs to be done to overcome it and learn from it for next time. Giving up is not something I understand.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get someone that has traveled across the world for this dream. They will get someone that will give everything he has to make sure the team as a whole is successful and that I am prepared to do my own job, whatever that might be. The most influential thing I learned throughout my time at Georgia Tech is to be able to understand that you are a part of something that is bigger than just yourself, which is the key to succeed in a team and individually on a team.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

Coming from Belgium and starting my American football journey there, I never understood how this game creates a brotherhood to the degree it does. Once I got to Georgia Tech and started to go through spring training, camp, and fall season, everyone going through the same tiredness, pain, joy, wins and losses, I understood. I was able to connect with so many other guys from different backgrounds, and given so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t start in Belgium, it will always amaze me. 

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Kevin Harris. He played rush with me at Georgia Tech. Kevin came in a year after me, but we got close fast thanks to being the same position. We both would give it everything we had everyday at practice and we would push each other past our limits. He has a lot of potential, and it was great playing and practicing with him every day. He definitely pushed me to go harder.