Tracking the PRO Career of Kyries Hebert

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KEMPTVILLE -- Last year, Kyries Hebert felt just like any other football fan. The problem was he knew he belonged on the other side of the white lines.

"It was really hard sitting at home with my wife and watching the (NFL) games every Sunday," the 23-year-old Louisiana native said yesterday.

"I felt I was capable, but I was just unable to perform."

Hebert missed the entire 2003 season with a hamstring injury he suffered at the Houston Texans camp, before getting a chance to play in even one pre-season game.

With no other NFL team signing him this season, Hebert arrived at the Renegades camp knowing "only that the field is bigger" about the Canadian game.

But in his first pre-season game with Ottawa last Thursday, he showed he has the skills to adapt.

When the dust had settled, Hebert was tied for the team lead in tackles with four, plus added another three on special teams.

"It was okay," he said of his own performance, then added what would be music to defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry's ears. "I'm not really a stats guy. I just enjoy playing the game.

'KID IN A CANDY STORE'

"The best thing about (his CFL debut) was I felt like a kid in a candy store. I was just so happy to be on the field, running around and hitting people again. I just really enjoyed it."

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By Don Brennan, Ottawa Sun

don.brennan@ott.sunpub.com

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Louisiana's Kyries Hebert, now a Canadian football league rookie, helped his team the Ottawa Renegades to a dominating 44-15 victory over the defending Grey Cup champs. Kyries had seven tackles on defence and three more on special teams. The rest of the story

Defensively, there's almost no comparison with previous editions of the Renegades. Additions such as linebackers Tony White and Kyries Hebert, defensive end John Turntine and defensive back Dave Donaldson have made the Renegades appear more like a stable of thoroughbreds than a barn of rented mules. The rest of the story

[El Sidonio]

Go head Kyries! Kick some ~~~ and show 'em what Ragin Cajun football is really about!

God Bless.

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CANADA - Despite his inexperience on special teams, Kyries Hebert has proven a quick study.

Growing up in Eunice, Louisiana, Kyries Hebert was an accomplished basketball player and track athlete.

He was a self-taught high jumper who set his high school's record with a leap of 6-10. He was also a wide receiver on the football field, presumably an attractive target given his 6-3, 217-pound frame.

But on his first day with the University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, Hebert was moved to defence and made some introspective discoveries.

"I like hitting people. It's better to give than to receive," the Ottawa Renegades' outside linebacker said yesterday. "Football is my passion. You can't really beat people up on the basketball court or on a track."

Hebert is still on a track, but this one may lead to the National Football League. After all, he came close to winning a starting job in 2002 with the Minnesota Vikings and possesses the special-teams ability that is often the quickest ticket to an NFL job.

Hebert is tied for the CFL lead with 15 special-teams tackles. He barely played this facet of the game in college, but has proved a quick study with the Renegades.

And excellence on special teams is precisely what NFL teams are looking for. Few CFL players jump into starting roles down south, so the capacity to cover punts and kickoffs is often critical to one's chances.

"He has been great, probably our top special-teams player," said special teams co-ordinator Dave Easley. "Every play, he wants to be the one making the tackle. I wouldn't be surprised if (opponents) start double-teaming him."

At least one NFL club has scouted Hebert this season, not that he is too concerned about that right now.

"I wouldn't care. I'm happy to be here," he said. "This organization gave me the opportunity to play football again (after he sat out 2003). So I owe them my undivided attention."

The rest of the story

Matthew Sekeres
The Ottawa Citizen
photo: Wayne Cuddington

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The CFL is considering disciplinary action on Renegades rookie Kyries Hebert for a vicious hit in last Thursday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Hebert received a letter from the league yesterday stating it was reviewing a fourth-quarter play in which he showed apparent disregard for the rule that allows punt returners five yards to field the ball. Rather than keep his distance, Hebert levelled Hamilton return specialist Craig Yeast.

Hebert was immediately disqualified and the 'Gades were penalized 40 yards, a march off that set up the victory-sealing Ticat TD.

"If you watch the film, you can see I was just as focused on the guy blocking me as I was (on Yeast)," Hebert, a 23-year-old linebacker enjoying an otherwise solid first season, said in his defence. "It was just bad timing.

"It was a big mistake. I wish it never happened. I had no intention of hurting the guy. I'm kind of still new to the league and the five-yard rule, but I study film. It takes two steps for me to go five yards, and he took one step up, and we just met in the middle.

"I know it would never happen again. I don't take cheap shots. I don't mind working for what I have to get. It was very much out of my character."

The source of the story

By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun
don.brennan@ott.sunpub.com

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EXTRA POINT: Renegades rookie Kyries Hebert had to write a letter to the league, explaining the circumstances which led to his illegal hit and disqualification from last week's game against Hamilton. "They wanted to know my side of it," said Hebert. "Now it's just a waiting game. But that can't be where my focus is now."

The source of the story

[NewsCopy]

The Renegades have lost perhaps their most talented young starter to the NFL. Kyries Hebert, who played both linebacker and safety and was a standout on kick and punt return coverage as a rookie in 2004, has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 24-year old native of Eunice, La., finished the season tied for second in the CFL with 27 special-teams tackles, one behind league leader Ray Mariuz of the Toronto Argonauts.

Hebert was also third on the Renegades in defensive tackles with 56, behind only established veterans Kelly Wiltshire (76) and Gerald Vaughn (62).

It's no surprise that he was snapped up by a NFL team. At 6-foot-3 and 210 lbs., Hebert has the size, speed and skills to play down south. He also has the appeal of youth on his side.

Hebert attended the Minnesota Vikings' camp in 2002 and the Houston Texans' camp in 2003. The guessing is this third kick at the can will be a successful one -- as well as being a setback for the Renegades.

The source of the story

By DON BRENNAN
Ottawa Sun

*'Gade = Renegades

[DaddyCajun]

I worked with his mom at Savoy Medical Center about 7 years ago while in clinicals. She was so proud of him then signing with UL. I bet her smile now could not be surgically removed!

Congrats to the both of them!!!!!

DaddyCajun!

[PantherCanada]

I'm bumping this back up because Kyries is back on the Ottawa Renegades (CFL) and is doing some serious damage this year - he's playing wonderfully - too bad he's not on our team (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

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OTTAWA - Ottawa Renegades linebacker Kyries Hebert was named the Rogers-CFL Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday, three days after an outstanding performance in the team's 27-17 regular season finale win over the Toronto Argonauts. Hebert recorded three interceptions in the home win Saturday, and also added four tackles. With three special teams stops, he finished the 2005 season tied for the league's special teams tackle title (29). The 25-year-old, in his second season in Ottawa, set a Renegades franchise record for most interceptions in a game (three) in the victory over Toronto. The source of the story Ottawa Renegades