Odd Distinction For LB
Chesterfield (Va.) L.C. Bird standout John Taylor had an odd distinction last season in addition to his duties as a standout outside linebacker.
“I played fullback,” said the 6-foot-1, 210-pounder with 4.6-second speed in the 40-yard dash. “It was odd because I was blocking for our tailback who is bigger than I am.”
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That tailback was Virginia signee Jason Snelling and Taylor added 624 yards and six touchdowns of his own while leading the way for his backfield mate. However, it’s on defense where Taylor will be lining up on Saturdays.
“I’m being recruited as a linebacker by everyone,” he said. “Right now I like Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Marshall and Notre Dame the best. Maryland is recruiting me the hardest.”
Taylor put up some impressive defensive numbers as a junior. He had 13 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, two blocked punts and two defensive touchdowns. He’s also a superb baseball player.
“I’d like to be able to play both football and baseball in college,” he said. “I haven’t really talked with any of the schools about it yet. I’m not in a hurry to make a decision.”
As a junior, Taylor batted .540 with five home runs and 30 RBIs in only 20 games. His team is currently in the playoffs. He ran his 4.6 at NIKE Camp at Penn State and isn’t sure where he’ll camp this summer.