R100 Taylor talks PSU pledge

After a decommitment from Big Ten rivals Michigan, Rivals100 defensive back Garrett Taylor has committed to Penn State. The Richmond (Va.) St. Christopher's star had been focused on the Nittany Lions since his decommitment.

"I felt like I had been everywhere I needed to go in terms of the schools that I was looking at," said the 6-foot-1, 188-pound Taylor. "Penn State was the last visit that I needed to go on so I could see everything. I felt like the school was a good fit for me with their academics and the football part of things. The teammates are great and I feel like I fit in with the team. I know some of the recruits and some of the commits. They're all great guys and so we felt like this was the right time. We've already been everywhere and hopefully I can help bring other people in.

LSU and Virginia Tech, two teams with very rich defensive back histories, were really going after Taylor but Penn State could offer something neither of those two teams could.

"For me it was a lot about coming in early and starting for four years," he said. "I feel like I could go anywhere and maybe compete for early playing time. It might be tougher at some of these other schools depending on how deep they are. It felt like I could make an impact early at Penn State during my true freshman year and help turn things around."

Taylor had originally committed to Michigan but decommitted a few weeks ago to explore his other options. Now that he has found another place he likes, it doesn't sound like Taylor will be looking around anymore.

"I'm not going on more visits," Taylor said. "I'm set in my commitment and now I'm just waiting for National Signing Day."

Before this season started, Taylor tore his ACL had to sit out the entire season.