Tyler Yelk will be the first to admit that he misses all of action he had grown accustomed to prior to this season. The standout senior free safety and 2008 University of Minnesota Duluth team co-captain was certainly a busy man during the past three years as evident by the fact that he led the Bulldogs in tackles an unprecedented three straight times. Over that stretch, Yelk averaged just over 84 stops a season. This fall, he has been credited with about half that amount (46 tackles), thanks to the stellar play of the Bulldog defensive line and linebacking corps.
Yelk, who is only one of two Bulldogs to ever attain both All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (2008) and All-North Central Conference (2007) first team recognition (All-American linebacker Russ Rabe also accomplished that feat in 2003 and 2004, respectively), became UMD's all-time leading tackler earlier this season. Heading into next Saturday's second round NCAA Division II playoff game, which the Bulldogs will host, the Arlington, Wis., native has racked up 299 total tackles while starting in 40 of a possible 43 games.
His Favorites
Opponent: Nebraska-Omaha
Opponent Stadium: Husky Stadium (St. Cloud State)
Road Trip: St. Cloud, Minn.
Professional Athlete: Aaron Rogers
Professional Team: Green Bay Packers
Pastime: Enjoying time with my family and friends
College Course: Exercise Physiology
Prized Possession: My poster of Lambeau Field autographed by Brett Favre
Movie: Man on Fire
Book (Author): When Pride Still Mattered (David Maraniss)
Television Show: Entourage
Singer or Group: Lupe Fiasco
Food: Meat and Potatoes
Restaurant: Blackwoods
Vacation Spot: Panama City Beach
Web Site: www.umdbulldogs.com
Personally Speaking
Why I Chose UMD: The tropical weather
First Played Competitive Football: In the 7th grade
Football Strength/Weakness: My experience/My jammed thumbs
Game Day Ritual: I eat a big breakfast, relax, and say a prayer
Most Memorable Football Moment: Winning the 2005 NCC title and going to the NCAA playoffs
Pet Peeve: TV shows like "The Hills" and people who emulate the characters on them
My First Job: At a corn research station when I was 13 years old
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Jessica Alba or Jessica Beil
What Most People Don't Know About Me: My late dog was related to Hercules from the movie, "The Sandlot"
Biggest Fear: The emotionally unstable
Advice to a Young Athlete: Enjoy every step of the journey to its fullest
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would have perfect eyesight
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My shoes
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Raquetball
Influences On My Athletic Career: My family
Post-UMD Plans: Get my Master's degree and be a graduate assistant football coach
