R100 DB Taylor picks Michigan
Rivals100 defensive back Garrett Taylor was never really into dragging out the recruiting process so Monday the Richmond (Va.) St. Christopher's standout decided to commit to Michigan.
Advertisement
"Michigan is a great school as well as a great football program," said the 6-foot-1, 188-pound Taylor. "We saw all the academic facilities and all the academic support they have. They definitely have a good plan for you to stay on track for all four years and to graduate. Their law school and business school are top programs year in and year out.
"The coaches there are great," he said. "Coach (Greg) Mattison is trying to play more cover 3 and man defense so he wants tall, long corners and I fit that description. I like to play press man coverage so I definitely like that. Coach (Roy) Manning is my position coach and recruiting coordinator. He is a great guy and I've built a strong relationship with him."
In the 2014 recruiting cycle, Michigan pulled a commitment from Jabrill Peppers, the top cornerback in the nation. Peppers was also known as a recruiter but Taylor said playing alongside Peppers wasn't a big factor.
"I was obviously aware that he signed with them last year," Taylor said. "It's just another opportunity to compete with the best and he will make me better and hopefully I can make him better. That's something I look forward to."
Taylor's recent trip to Ann Arbor sealed the decision for the Wolverines.
"The visit definitely helped," he said. "I spent Friday and Saturday night with Wilton Speight. He talked to me about some things and it was good to see things from a player's point of view. Seeing everything and meeting all the coaches really helped me decide that Michigan was the place to go."
With the type of defense Michigan will be playing, there is a good chance Taylor could see the field early in his career.
"I think my chance of playing early are pretty good," said Taylor. "Obviously nothing is guaranteed. The coaches are recruiting longer, taller corners and I fit their defensive scheme. The fact that I fit the description of the guy they are looking for makes me think I could get some playing time."
Taylor thinks he will get back to Michigan at least two more times before Signing Day.
"I know they do a barbecue in July," he said. "We'll probably do that and probably do an official visit later."
It is no secret that coaching staff changes happen frequently in college football but it doesn't sound like any staff moves would affect Taylor's commitment status.
"My coach always preached to me to pick a place based on the school, not to do it on the football program and the coaches," Taylor said. "I made sure I could see myself there without football."
Stanford came in second for Taylor.
Adam Friedman is the Mid-Atlantic Region football recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
Click Here to view this Link.
[rl]