Tracking the PRO Career of Kyries Hebert

[NewsCopy]

April 22, 2002
Louisiana's Kyries Hebert Signs With Minnesota Vikings

LOUISIANA La. - Former Louisiana free safety Kyries Hebert has signed with the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings as reported by the team in a news release Monday afternoon. Hebert was one of 13 rookie free agents signed by the Vikings on Monday.

The 6-foot-2 198 pound free safety finished his collegiate career with 270 total tackles, the second most in school history by a defensive back. He trails only current NFL star Orlando Thomas. Hebert was a letter winner for the past three seasons, never missing a game, and led the Cajuns in tackles every year.

Hebert is the second Cajun to hit the NFL ranks in as many days. Cornerback Brad Franklin was drafted by the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

KYRIES HEBERT Free Safety 6-2, 198 Eunice, La.-Eunice

Has outstanding range, speed and instincts for the game...Not afraid to deliver big hits to opponents.

2001: Led the Cajuns for the third straight season in tackles, posting 43 solo stops and 40 assisted tackles. Finished his career with 270 total tackles, the second most in school history by a defensive back, trailing only ex-Viking and current New Orleans Saint Orlando Thomas. Recovered a fumble deep in Minnesota territory in the second game of the season – the possession led to a Cajuns touchdown. Posted 20 tackles against the Gophers, one shy of the school record by a defensive back. Recorded 14 total tackles, 10 solo, against Middle Tennessee. Posted seven or more tackles in six games. Led the team in tackles four times, at Minnesota, vs Middle Tennessee, at Arizona State (11) and at North Texas (9). Helped lead the Cajuns to a 20-0 opening day victory over Nicholls State. UL held the Colonels to a school record 57 yards of offense. NSU did not complete a single pass, accumulating all of their yardage via the run. Finished career by playing in 33 consecutive games.

2000: Received honors on the All-Louisiana squad for the second consecutive season...Placed on the squad’s second team as a defensive back...Led Cajuns for second straight season in tackles...Tallied 88 total tackles with 54 solo stops and 34 assists, all team bests...Also added four tackles for a loss of 12 yards and two fumble recoveries...Returned three interceptions for 49 yards, the second-best total on the team... Tallied 10 tackles, with five solo stops, and recovered a fumble against Jacksonville State in the Cajuns’ home finale...Named Louisiana Defensive Player of the Week after posting 10 tackles, including seven solo stops, to go with a 22-yard interception return and two tackles for a loss of two yards at state rival Louisiana-Monroe...Tied with Ricky Calais for game-high honors with 10 tackles, including four solo stops, against Sun Belt Conference rival North Texas...Led Cajuns with 10 tackles, including nine solo stops, at state rival Louisiana Tech....Also added an interception against the Bulldogs...Tied for the team lead with 10 tackles, including five solo stops, and two pass breakups against Tulane in the annual Homecoming contest...Led Cajun defenders with 12 tackles, including seven solo stops, against Northwestern State...Also added one tackle for a six-yard loss against the Demons...Posted seven solo tackles at Texas Tech and added a pass breakup during a solid defensive effort against the Red Raiders...Posted a 27-yard interception return against Sam Houston State in the season opener...Finished the night with a team-high six tackles

1999: Moved from wide receiver to free safety during fall drills and made the transition easily...One of only six players to start all 11 games...Led the team with 57 solo tackles and 42 assists for 99 total tackles...Also added five tackles for a loss of 12 yards...Recorded his first collegiate interception with a six-yard yard return against Texas Tech in the home opener for the Cajuns...Posted at least seven tackles in eight of the Cajuns ’ 11 games, including the first five contests...Posted double digits in tackles in five games...Led a solid defensive effort at Oklahoma State with seven solo tackles and eight total....Added a seven-tackle performance against Texas Tech....Posted 10 tackles to lead all Cajuns and post his first double-digit tackle game at Houston...Two weeks later, posted 10 tackles, including 10 solo stops, against state rival Louisiana Tech...Made 11 tackles with six solo efforts against Louisiana-Monroe during the annual Homecoming contest...Followed that with a 12-tackle game at Arkansas State...Enjoyed one of the finest performances by a defensive back in school history against Wofford in the home finale...Recorded 17 tackles, with 12 assists, for the seventh-highest total by a Cajun defensive back.

High School: Heavily-honored athlete in football, basketball and track...Named All-State in Class 4A at free safety as senior and also played split end...Was two-time All-District 3-4A selection for Bobcats of head coach Paul Trosclair and totaled more than 70 tackles during senior season while catching 38 passes...Heled lead Eunice to a 14-1 overall record and to Class 4A state finalsbefore falling to John Curtis in championship game...Three-year letterman who also helped lead team to a 10-2 mark as a junior...Was also an All-District selection in basketball in helping team to state semifinals and was a regional qualifier in high jump and triple jump in track.

Personal: Born on Oct. 9, 1980, in Eunice, La....Son of Paula Hebert...Child and family studies major.
Year Solo Ast. Total TFL Sack PBU FF FR Int.1999 57 42 99 5-(-12) 0 3 0 0 12000 54 34 88 4-(-12) 0 4 1 2 32001 43 40 83 3-(-3) 0 1 1 1 1Totals 154 116 270 12-(-27) 0 8 2 3 5

The source of the story

[Turbine]

As of August 7th the Minnesota Vikings depth chart had Kyries Hebert moved all the way up to 2nd string, behind third year Strong Safety Tyrone Carter.

Undrafted rookie looks to make his mark with Vikings
Kent Youngblood

MANKATO -- Willie Shaw is a man loath to talk about last season. But go back a little further and he becomes a regular historian.

The Vikings defensive coordinator had been asked about Kyries Hebert, a 6-3, 205-pound linebacker in a strong safety's clothing. He is an undrafted rookie who is a hit going somewhere to happen; just ask tight end Byron Chamberlain, who met the slightly overeager business end of Hebert's shoulder pads during Sunday morning's practice.

So Shaw went to his past to describe a player who might be a part of the Vikings' future.

"Now, he's a rookie, so he's making some mistakes," Shaw said. "But he's like a guy I had back in New Orleans who was the same way. Sammy Knight. He was undrafted, but he came in and started 12 games for me as a rookie and he never looked back. He was the first player in the history of the league to make first-team all-rookie as an undrafted player."

It's too early to know whether history going to repeat itself. But this much is clear: Hebert, who hails from the same college that produced former Vikings safety Orlando Thomas, might be No. 2 on the depth chart at strong safety. But that's No. 2 with a bullet.

Make that No. 2 with a guided missile, which is the way Hebert looked to regional scout John Fitzpatrick while playing for Louisiana-Lafayette. Hebert started at safety for three seasons, led his team in tackles in all three, and finished as the second-leading tackler in school history (to Thomas) with 270. That included a 20-tackle game against the Gophers last season.

Hebert is big for the position, and strong. He very quickly became a favorite of Shaw's during developmental and minicamps and he entered training camp battling Tyrone Carter for the starting job.

Which begs the question: Why wasn't he drafted?

Turns out it was a matter of just a few fractions of a second. Hebert wasn't at the scouting combine. And when he did run for a collection of scouts his time wasn't that impressive. But Fitzpatrick used his years of experience to take another look.

"When you run down in south Louisiana, when the wind is coming off the gulf, it always blows south, and it can blow pretty good," Fitzpatrick said. "And the grass he ran on was twice as high as the grass out here. And he ran a 4.68 [40-yard dash] against the wind. I said, 'I know this guy is faster than that.' "

So Fitzpatrick took him to the indoor facility in Lafayette and got a time slightly more than 4.5. "He ran like a scalded dog," Fitzpatrick said. "And he's a big dude. . . . That's where I earn my salary. I don't earn my salary by looking at [top draft picks] Raonall Smith or Bryant McKinnie. My mom can pick Bryant McKinnie. Where we make our money is when we find a Ky Hebert, free agents that make the team. Just wait until you see him put the pads on."

Hebert's second-chance workout earned him a draftable grade from the Vikings, but they didn't get around to him after seven rounds were complete. And now he has the chance to become the latest free agent to make good. Talk to Hebert and you get the feeling it could be sooner rather than later.

"A lot of people they said, 'OK, go in there and just try to make the club and play special teams,' " he said. "I never let it go that I was able to play on the defense. That's what I want to do."

Actually, he does many things Shaw likes. In a defense designed to stop the run first, Hebert has just the size and attitude. Particularly the attitude. By Hebert's own admission, he might have had a few more interceptions during his college career had he not instead gone for the knockout hit.

"It might have helped that draft thing, you know?" Hebert said with a smile. "But a lot of guys who don't get drafted, or get drafted late, they're fighting to live. They're hungry."

Actually Hebert has more than his own mouth to feed. He got married before his senior season. He has an 18-month-old daughter and another child on the way.

"I always tell her, 'Daddy's going to make you proud,' " he said. "That's one thing that drives me. I come from a town of 35,000 people [Eunice, La.]. Before I left town I told them, 'I'm going to make you guys proud.' I promised that, and you can't back down on no promises."

Hebert certainly looked promising to Shaw on film, even before he was ever timed.

He was a football player, pure and simple. Good enough during offseason camps that Shaw moved rookie Willie Offord from strong to free safety to make room. The two rookies, Offord and Hebert, are battling for starting spots with Ronnie Bradford and Carter, respectively.

Hebert has work to do. Some have questioned his ability to change direction or break down to make a play.

"I don't deal in the subjective," Shaw said. "I don't care what people say. I get them on the field and I make an objective evaluation. Can he play? Hey, Sammy Knight ran a 4.9 40, and I didn't care. Can he play football? He's not going to run track."

And he might, in time, become a story that Shaw can pull out years from now, when another promising, undrafted rookie is trying to make a mark.

The source of the story

Star Tribune

Email Kent Youngblood is at kyoungblood@startribune.com

[Turbine]

Professional Info
Signed as a rookie free agent on April 21, 2002...Will compete for time at strong safety and capable at free safety as well...Impressed Vikings' coaches during 2002 mini-camps...His alma mater will host the University of Minnesota on September 7, the day before the Vikings' 2002 season opener at Chicago.

College Info
Standout free safety who made the transition from WR as a sophomore...Ended his career at Louisiana-Lafayette as the second-leading tackler among defensive backs with 270 stops, trailing only former Viking and Rajin' Cajun Orlando Thomas...Led the team in tackles in each of his seasons...Played in 33 consecutive games of his career...Played three seasons for the Ragin? Cajuns, sitting out his freshman campaign in 1998.

2001 Named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference...Led the team with 83 tackles...Added a fumble recovery, an interception, a forced fumble, a pass defensed, and three tackles-for-loss...Notched 20 tackles at Minnesota, a tackle shy of the school record by a DB...Also recovered a Golden Gopher fumble that the Cajuns turned into a TD...Led the team in tackles in four games, at Minnesota, vs. Middle Tennessee (14 tackles), at Arizona State (11) and at North Texas (9)...Helped lead a Cajun defense that held Nicholls State to a school-record 57 yards of offense and without a pass completion in a 20-0 win in the season opener.

2000 Named second-team All-Louisiana for the second straight season...Led the team with 88 tackles and notched a career-high three interceptions, a pair of fumble recoveries, four tackles-for-loss, and four passes defensed...Named Louisiana Defensive Player of the Week after posting 10 tackles and returning an interception 22 yards at Louisiana-Monroe...Posted 10 tackles and an interception at Louisiana Tech...Had 10 tackles and a pair of passes defensed vs. Tulane on Homecoming...Had six tackles and a 27-yard interception return against Sam Houston State in the season opener.

1999 Named first-team All-Louisiana and the Newcomer of the Year...Made the move from WR to FS during fall practice...Went on to start all 11 games at FS...Led the team with a career-high 99 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, an interception and three passes defensed...Notched first career interception against Texas Tech in the Cajuns' home opener...Posted 10+ tackles in five games on the season...Led team with 17 tackles in season finale vs. Wofford...Notched 12 stops at Arkansas State...Had 11 tackles against Louisiana-Monroe on Homecoming.

Personal Info
Highly-decorated three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track...Named an All-State FS in Class 4A ball as a senior...Was a two-time All-District 3-4A...Helped Eunice High to a 14-1 mark and a berth in the state championship game as a senior...Team went 10-2 during his junior season...Named All-District in basketball as a senior when team advanced to the state semifinals...Advanced to the state track meet in the high jump and triple jump...Holds Eunice High record with a 6-10 high jump...Child and family studies major...Family friends with former Ragin Cajun and Viking safety Orlando Thomas...Married, wife's name is Kristina, couple has a daughter, Kaylynn Rose.

Source Viking web site

[Louisiana]

HT 6-3 / Wt 205
BN 10/9/80 / FA-'02
Professional Info
Signed as a rookie free agent on April 21, 2002 with the Minnesota Vikings. He competed for time at strong safety and capable at free safety as well...Impressed Vikings' coaches during 2002 mini-camps...

Standout free safety who made the transition from WR as a sophomore...Ended his career at Louisiana-Lafayette as the second-leading tackler among defensive backs with 270 stops, trailing only former Viking and Rajin' Cajun Orlando Thomas...Led the team in tackles in each of his seasons...Played in 33 consecutive games of his career...Played three seasons for the Ragin? Cajuns, sitting out his freshman campaign in 1998.

2001 Named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference...Led the team with 83 tackles...Added a fumble recovery, an interception, a forced fumble, a pass defensed, and three tackles-for-loss...Notched 20 tackles at Minnesota, a tackle shy of the school record by a DB...Also recovered a Golden Gopher fumble that the Cajuns turned into a TD...Led the team in tackles in four games, at Minnesota, vs. Middle Tennessee (14 tackles), at Arizona State (11) and at North Texas (9)...Helped lead a Cajun defense that held Nicholls State to a school-record 57 yards of offense and without a pass completion in a 20-0 win in the season opener.

2000 Named second-team All-Louisiana for the second straight season...Led the team with 88 tackles and notched a career-high three interceptions, a pair of fumble recoveries, four tackles-for-loss, and four passes defensed...Named Louisiana Defensive Player of the Week after posting 10 tackles and returning an interception 22 yards at Louisiana-Monroe...Posted 10 tackles and an interception at Louisiana Tech...Had 10 tackles and a pair of passes defensed vs. Tulane on Homecoming...Had six tackles and a 27-yard interception return against Sam Houston State in the season opener.

1999 Named first-team All-Louisiana and the Newcomer of the Year...Made the move from WR to FS during fall practice...Went on to start all 11 games at FS...Led the team with a career-high 99 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, an interception and three passes defensed...Notched first career interception against Texas Tech in the Cajuns' home opener...Posted 10+ tackles in five games on the season...Led team with 17 tackles in season finale vs. Wofford...Notched 12 stops at Arkansas State...Had 11 tackles against Louisiana-Monroe on Homecoming.

Personal Info
Highly-decorated three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track...Named an All-State FS in Class 4A ball as a senior...Was a two-time All-District 3-4A...Helped Eunice High to a 14-1 mark and a berth in the state championship game as a senior...Team went 10-2 during his junior season...Named All-District in basketball as a senior when team advanced to the state semifinals...Advanced to the state track meet in the high jump and triple jump...Holds Eunice High record with a 6-10 high jump...Child and family studies major...Family friends with former Ragin Cajun and Viking safety Orlando Thomas...Married, wife's name is Kristina, couple has a daughter, Kaylynn Rose.

[Cajun1997]

I don't know if anyone knew about this or not but I just came across it today.


December 26, 2002

HOUSTON -- The Texans have released defensive tackle Willie Blade and activated safety Kyries Hebert to the active roster from the practice squad. Blade was claimed on waivers from Dallas on September 3 and was inactive for 15 games.

Hebert was signed to the Texans practice squad last week. He signed as a rookie free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2002 before being waived. A native of Lafayette, La., Hebert started 33 straight games for Louisiana-Lafayette and led the team in tackles for three seasons.


Link

[Cajun1997]

December 18, 2002

HOUSTON -- The Texans have waived safety Chris Carter and signed offensive tackle Tarlos Thomas and defensive tackle Howard Green to the active roster.

Carter played in 13 games for the Texans and had 12 special teams tackles. Thomas was claimed off waivers from Tennessee on Sept. 2 and was inactive for the first five games before being signed to the practice squad. Green was selected in the sixth round by the Texans in the 2002 NFL Draft and has spent the last six weeks on Houston's practice squad.

The extra roster spot became available because guard DeMingo Graham has been suspended four games by the NFL for violation of league policy.

"We feel bad for DeMingo, he'll miss the last two games of the season," Texans head coach Dom Capers said.

The Texans also signed center McAllister Collins and safety Kyries Hebert to the practice squad. Collins (6-2, 307) signed with Jacksonville as a rookie free agent in 2001 and signed with Pittsburgh in 2002. He played for the Scottish Claymores of the NFL Europe League last spring. A native of Chicago, Ill., Collins started 32 games at center for Northern Illinois. Hebert signed as a rookie free agent with Minnesota in 2002. A native of Lafayette, La., Hebert started 33 straight games for Louisiana-Lafayette and led the team in tackles for three seasons.


Link

[Turbine]

That is great news. I hope coach Bustle and Co. can use this in letting recruits know that if you come to Louisiana, work hard, and compete, you will get your shot at the NFL.

[Cajun1997]

Kyries Hebert #34
Strong Safety
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
College: UL
NFL Experience: rookie
How Acquired: FA 2002
Birthdate: October 9, 1980
Hometown: Lafayette, LA


BIOGRAPHY
PRO: Versatile, powerful defensive back that can rotate between strong and free safety… signed by the Texans to their practice squad on 12/18/02…elevated to active roster from practice squad on 12/24/02…originally signed by Vikings as a rookie free agent on 4/25/02 before being released on 9/1/02.
COLLEGE: Played for three seasons for the Ragin’ Cajuns, sitting out his freshman campaign in 1998…ended career as school’s second-leading tackler among defensive backs with 270 stops…named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2001 after leading team with 83 tackles and added an INT, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery…top tackler in 2000 with 88 tackles, three INTs and a pair of fumble recoveries while being named second-team All-Louisiana for second straight year…named first-team All-Louisiana and Newcomer of the Year after making the move from wide receiver to free safety during fall practice…went on to start 11 games at free safety and led team with career-high 99 tackles and one INT…majored in child and family studies.

PERSONAL: Married to Kristina, couple now lives in Houston with daughter, Kaylynn Rose…standout in football, basketball and track at Eunice High School in Lafayette, La…. named all-state free safety as a senior while helping team to a 14-1 mark and berth in the state championship game…holds Eunice High School record for high jump (6-10)…born Kyries Hebert, October 9, 1980, in Lafayette, La.

[NewsCopy]

2004: Renegades get defender from Cajun Country

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Renegades are pleased to announce the signing of import defensive back / linebacker Kyries Hebert (pronounced KYE-reez EH-bare) to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2005 season.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound native of Eunice, Louisiana, is a versatile athlete who will be evaluated at multiple positions by the Renegades coaching staff.

"Kyries is a tall, rangy player with great instincts for the game," said Renegades general manager Eric Tillman. "His outstanding athletic ability will provide our coaches with numerous options as to how best to utilize his talent."

Following his collegiate career at Louisiana - Lafayette, Hebert attended NFL camps with the Minnesota Vikings in 2002 and the Houston Texans in 2003.

Hebert led his college team, the Ragin' Cajuns, in tackles while playing free safety during three consecutive seasons (sophomore, junior and senior). Hebert, who turns 24 in October, completed his collegiate career with 270 total tackles (154 solo).

The rest of the story

[NewsCopy]

LINEBACKERS

With Ellis on the line, the Renegades are going to try Keaton Cromartie at middle linebacker, flanked by veteran Gerald Vaughn. The Renegades are trying to get bigger and more physical in the box. Canadian Jason Kralt is a capable backup and good special-teams player. Imports Syniker Taylor and Michael Gholar, Dru Grigson, Tony White and Kyries Hebert are fighting for a job. Gholar and Taylor are interesting in that they are two-sport athletes, both having played basketball in college, too. Gholar is a great athlete, who switched to football for his final year at Mississippi State. The University of Ottawa's Todd Seely, who started last year on the practice roster, is also in camp.

The rest of the story