Sylvain Yondjouen focused only on the 2023 season, not his NFL future

Yondjouen will be a key contributor for Georgia Tech in 2023

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Aug 14, 2023 8:02 PM EDT

In this story:

Georgia Tech's defensive line is returning experience this season, despite losing their top pass rusher Keion White to the NFL Draft. However, the tough thing with so many experienced guys back is figuring out the rotation and how many snaps the coaching staff is going to give each player.

One guy that has been around the program and is looking to have his best season yet is Sylvain Yondjouen. Yondjouen had 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, but those numbers should rise this season. Yondjouen received a 67.0 grade on PFF (Pro Football Focus) last season on 300+ snaps. If he can take the necessary steps in his progression as a player, he has the size to be a potential NFL Draft prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.

But that is the last thing on Yondjouen's mind right now and he discussed that after practice today.

"I am focused on this season and getting better. Personally, watching myself growing up the past four years and in this camp also, I am coming back in the meetings and listen to what Coach (Marco) Coleman says, even if it is another position and making sure that I have those notes too. Perfecting my craft, I know that is what the biggest point of this camp, making sure that I do my job and I do it right. Coach Coleman and Coach (Andrew) Thacker want that for the defense and that is what we are focused on right now."

Georgia Tech defensive end Sylvain Yondjouen vs Pittsburgh — Sylvain Yondjouen will be a key contributor for Georgia Tech in 2023
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive line coach Marco Coleman admitted that while Yondjouen has the physical traits to play at the next level, he is not discussing the NFL right now with him:

"I say that he definitely has all of the physical traits, he can run a 40, he is strong so all of those things definitely, but he is still growing as a football player and you know this season with some of the things that we are doing and the way that we are coaching him and the different style from last season, I think it will bold well for him to do the things necessary to show that NFL caliber type of talent. But our focus for him right now is to be the best college football player he can be right now, that is now something we really... we don't talk to much about that right now."

During this year's ACC media days, Yondjouen said that seeing Keion White's progression last year in turning into an NFL player has given him inspiration:

"It gives me a lot of motivation to keep working hard because I saw Keion at the beginning of the season or even when he transferred, at first he didn't really play a lot, and then he played way more last year. Just seeing him work every day, he would come in, get treatment, get in the hot tub, get stretched before everybody, after everybody, stayed longer after workouts, and it just shows that if you put your mind to it and you keep working for it, it will pay off. That's what I'm trying to do just like him. Just keep working, head down, and we'll see where I get. Yeah, I'll put 100 every time."

The work ethic and attitude are certainly there for him and this could be his best season as a Yellow Jacket in 2023.

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