QB Taylor has a leader

Rivals100 quarterback Tyrod Taylor out of Hampton, Va. has been a busy player over the past month. The 6-foot-1, 193-pounder finished up the basketball season, took in a combine and has started preparing for this season.

"Just about a month ago he finished up basketball as they lost in the semifinals," said Tyrod's father, Rodney. "Since then we have refocused on football getting him to throw the ball around and get stronger in preparation for the Nike Camp. Recently we took in the All-American Combine at Duke. Tyrod didn't participate in the testing, but threw the ball around and got to meet some great athletes.

"I felt like he did really well there and impressed the other recruits. He met Mark Barnes and I saw him really starting to warm up out there. Overall it was a pretty good time."

Next up for Taylor is a visit to Virginia Tech. Clemson and Southern Cal have also invited him for unofficial visits.

"I know Clemson really wants him to come down so he can check out the school," he said. "Coach McNair at Southern Cal doesn't expect us to come out there before May, but said he plans to visit around then."

Recently the quarterback prospect upped his total offers to approximately 12 with new ones from Penn State, Florida and Georgia Tech. Does Taylor have any favorites?

"People always think Tech is the team to beat and I'd say they probably are a slight leader only because they noticed him way back in ninth grade," he said. "Virginia has been making a strong push and other schools are stepping it up. I'd say overall it is pretty wide open."

Schools better hurry for Taylor though as Rodney thinks a decision could be done by late summer.

"He and I are saying that we're going to try to get it done before the season starts, but of course that is what we're thinking right now."

Taylor plans to attend the Nike Camp at Penn State in May.

Last season the quarterback prospect threw for 2,500 yards and 32 touchdowns.