Player Spotlight: Tyler Yazujian

Audio/Story posted September 29, 2016 in CommRadio, Sports by Paddy Cotter

College can be a handful. From clubs to courses and parties to procrastinating, the load can feel a bit overwhelming. Self-pity looms. Then you hear about Tyler Yazujian, and feel like the laziest slob to walk the campus.

Yazujian (called “Yaz”) has a résumé that would put a presidential candidate’s to shame. The fifth-year senior is currently completing graduate courses to obtain a master’s degree in the College of Information and Science Technology. He has already completed the standard undergraduate courses after completing the requirements for a bachelor's degree in security risk analysis.

Over the past three summers, Yaz has interned for the Red Cell Analytics Lab where he conducted research on practical security and risk as it applies to modern problem solving. He has also played for the club baseball team since his freshman year.

Finding a job out of college shouldn't be too difficult for Yaz. The Department of Homeland Security offered him an internship, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has an analyst position waiting for him.

He is also a key player for the club baseball team. Though he says he’s no Carl Yastrzemski (the original Yaz).

Almost forgot to mention… he plays football.

Yaz has been the starting long snapper for Nittany Lions for the past three years. This past year, head coach James Franklin rewarded him with an athletic/academic scholarship.

“It was awesome,” said Yazujian, referring to the scholarship. “I’m so thankful to coach Franklin and Penn State.”

During his freshman year, Yaz decided to try out for Bill O'Brien's Nittany Lions. He made the team and won the starting position, which he has maintained for three years.

The time commitment of a Division I athlete is sizable. Between practice, games, and earning a degree, many players are forced to dedicate their lives to meeting the demands of their schedule.

Some of the campus and most of the country is confused about what legacy Joe Paterno has left behind. One thing that cannot be disputed is the stress that Paterno put on his players to become more than football players. He emphasized how football was such a small part of their role in society.

Yazujian is the embodiment of the ideal Penn State athlete. Success on the field with a focus on success off the field.

 

Paddy Cotter is a freshman majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email fpc5043@psu.edu.