Appalachian State cornerback Tyrek Funderburk is used to betting on himself, so that is why he remains confident while preparing for a shot at the NFL. After spending five seasons at FCS Richmond, which included using three years of eligibility, Funderburk decided to transfer to Appalachian State, where he played his final season in 2023.
And what a season it was.
Funderburk appeared in all 14 games for the Mountaineers and earned first-team All-Sun Belt Honors. He shared the Sun Belt lead with four interceptions, while also recording eight pass breakups and 46 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss.
Two of his interceptions went for touchdowns. Funderburk returned an 18-yard interception for a score in a 22-19 loss at Wyoming and the next week had a 23-yard pick-6 in a wild 41-40 win at Louisiana Monroe. In addition, he had two interceptions in a 55-27 home win over Georgia Southern.
After appearing in 41 games, including 22 starts at Richmond, Funderburk wanted to show he could prosper at an FBS program.
“I bet on myself 100 percent and I wanted to prove I could play at this level,” Funderburk said in an interview with HERO Sports. “The coach who recruited me to Richmond out of high school was my corners coach (at Appalachian State) and that helped me a ton and I knew his philosophy.”
That coach, Rod West, made Funderburk know from the beginning that their friendship wouldn’t guarantee any playing time.
“He said, ‘I know you and your family, but that doesn’t mean you have a starting spot,’” recalls Funderburk, who was a football and track standout at Metrolina Christian Academy in North Carolina.
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Indeed, Funderburk did earn the starting position and certainly justified his decision to transfer.
Now he is out to prove himself again.
Funderburk was hoping to get invited to the NFL Combine, but the invitation never came.
“I am definitely disappointed,” he said. “I was hoping being an FCS transfer and first-team All-Sun Belt corner would get me invited.”
Still, he remains determined as ever to prove himself and will have a major chip on his shoulder.
“I know not being at the Combine doesn’t dictate what a player looks like,” he said. “Guys who have an extremely good Pro Day could get drafted or be a priority free agent.”
Funderburk said he is looking forward to Appalachian State’s Pro Day, which is March 25. He has been training at XPE Sports in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida since mid-January and will remain there until March 20.
Funderburk says he has noticed an uptick in his game after working out with some outstanding cornerbacks in Florida. Among those he has worked out with include Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, both potential first-round draft choices.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Funderburk isn’t making any predictions for his Pro Day, except to say he expects to run well.
He is realistic about his chances of hearing his name called at the NFL draft.
“I feel I should be drafted, but right now it looks like I could be a priority free agent, especially with a good Pro Day,” he said.
His agent, Jay Courie of MGC Sports, says he is confident that Funderburk will open eyes, not only at his Pro Day but when he meets with NFL teams.
“He is talented, tough, and will test well,” Courie told HERO Sports. “He is an incredible human being and that will certainly come through when people get to know him.”
So despite not being invited to the Combine, Funderburk looks at it as just another obstacle to hurdle.
“I believe in myself and have the utmost faith and confidence,” he said. “I understand this is just another instance where I will have to prove myself.”
