Florida LB getting major looks

Apopka (Fla.) is home to one of the Sunshine State’s top linebacker prospects in the Class of 2005.

Quentin Taylor has split time between fullback, defensive end and linebacker in his career with the Blue Darters, but has settled into his niche.

“His sophomore year, he was a running back but we had a kid named Alan Abrams at that spot who wound up signing with Ole Miss, so we moved Quentin over to defense,” Apopka coach Ty Ensor said. “That year, he was our best talent over on defense. He really showed us a lot. We had him at defensive end, which kind of hurt his stats, but he just made things happen. He got in the backfield a lot and really controlled the edge.

“Last year, we moved him to fullback on offense and linebacker on defense. He did a great job at both spots. As a fullback, he’s just a phenomenal blocker. He just pancakes people all over the place. But he was even better on defense. He’s just so explosive. He’s got that Jevon Kearse type of explosiveness in the first few steps and a lot of natural instincts. He’s a rare combination of great physical ability, aggressiveness and football smarts. I know the college coaches love him as a linebacker.”

Taylor (6-1, 210, 4.6) capped his junior season with 900 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, he recorded 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three interceptions.

“Alabama, Florida, Georgia Tech and Miami have all been by to see him already,” Ensor said. “And we’ve had requests to send film all over the country. That’s all I’ve been doing here lately.

“I think Alabama’s going to offer him here soon. We just sent that tape out to them. Same with Georgia Tech. Their coach who came by indicated that they were probably going to offer him this spring.”