2018 NFLPA Bowl Invitee (Accepted)
2017 Conference USA Honorable Mention
John Mackey Tight End of the Week (Oct. 14, 2017)
John Mackey Honorable Mention (Sept. 16, 2017, Oct. 28, 2017)
PFF College National Tight End of the Week (Oct. 28, 2017)
2017 Burlsworth Trophy Nominee
2017 (r-Sr.) | 12/12: Although he began his final year on The Hill with no offensive statistics, Yelder was one of quarterback Mike White's favorite targets all season. The tight end ranked second on WKU with 52 catches for 688 yards, while leading the Hilltoppers with seven receiving touchdowns. He also added a one-yard rushing score vs. Florida Atlantic, as well as two-point conversions vs. Louisiana Tech (rush) and at UTEP (catch); his 52 points scored led all Hilltopper non-kickers. He capped his stellar season with career-bests of 112 yards and two touchdowns - including a career-long score of 54 yards - vs. Georgia State in the Cure Bowl. Yelder finished fourth nationally in receptions and third in receiving yards among tight ends. His seven touchdown catches is 10th most in a single season in WKU history, while ranking second among tight ends in the program's FBS Era. He recorded at least three catches and 30 receiving yards in 11-of-12 starts.
2016 (r-Jr.) | 14/0: Yelder appeared in all 14 games as a junior and had one of the defining plays of the season for the Hilltoppers. As one of the team’s best athletes, particularly in the vertical jump, Yelder was called on to block field goal attempts and came up with a blocked PAT at Middle Tennessee in the second overtime period. The Hilltoppers scored and converted on the next possession which catapulted them to the top of the East Division and ultimately a Conference USA Championship.
2015 (r-So.) | 4/0: Yelder saw action in the final four games of the season, primarily on special teams coverage and as a reserve tight end.
2014 (r-Fr.): Yelder did not see any action this year on The Hill.
2013 (Fr.): Yelder redshirted his first season on The Hill.
HS/Misc.: Yelder prepped at Southern High School for coach Chad Lyons. Yelder was also a star guard on the basketball team.
