Name: Kyle Ellis
School: Yale University
Position: DB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

The main goal coming into my final collegiate season was to enjoy it. Having the ability to play the game I love -after not playing in 2020 due to COVID and a broken ankle in 2021- for the first time in a long time was a blessing. Off of that, winning a championship and fostering a culture around loving one another was the main focus which we were fortunate enough to accomplish both. 

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I believe they would say I’m “All-In All The Time.” I’m giving 100% with the belief that we can win no matter the circumstance. I was blessed to win the “Every Day, Every Play” award two springs in a row which is given to the player who comes in and gives the same max effort everyday. That’s who I am and I believe my coaches/teammates would say the same about me as well. 

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

Individually just making sure my technique is consistent. It’s easy to make a singular play, yet it’s hard to be excellent for 80-95 plays with no lapses. I try to be intentional with my pre-snap checklist, assignment/alignment, and opponent tendencies -that are picked up along the week in practice- so I can be free and trust my preparation going into a game.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

I truly believe I am blessed with talents -physically, mentally, and spiritually- to play this game. Going to a school like Yale I can make money and find success doing anything yet I’ll sacrifice it all to play the game that I believe I’m meant to be playing because this is the path that has been chosen for me. For that reason -and that reason alone- there are few prospects in this class that matchup with me.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

Work smarter not harder. In college, and even training for Pro-Day, I was overly zealous to prove myself which lead me to push my body past its limits. I’ve enjoyed trying new things like boxing, pilates, swimming, etc… to understand the best ways to take care of my body while maximizing performance. Outside of my health, there will be a focus on sprint mechanics. Like anything else, speed is something you have to work on and a lot goes into that so I’m excited to tap into that 2nd gear that I have. 

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

On-the-field you’re going to get somebody who is a true professional and takes their job very seriously. Anyone who has watched my film can see I love to fly around and have the ability to play inside the box, cover in space, and be a safety net for a defense. Off-the-field you’re going to get somebody who upholds a standard for the mere fact I love seeing people maximize their potential. Everyone is talented in different ways when it comes to football and it’s about having people around you who will push you to be your best every single day. 

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

Any team that is serious about winning come get me. Out of the 21 games I’ve started at Yale, I’ve won 85.7% of them (18 out of 21) and out of the 24 games I’ve played a defensive snap I’ve won 87.5% of them (21 out of 24). There are a lot of people who have sacrificed for me to get here and I don’t take that lightly. Am I perfect? No. But progress is better than perfection any day of the week and I’m committed/excited to continue to learn what I’m capable of.