Rivals250 LB Tyler Taylor on Oklahoma official: "It was crazy"

Class of 2017 four-star linebacker Tyler Taylor had already visited Oklahoma prior to this weekend's official visit, but he came into the trip with one main goal, to see how the Sooners stacked up to the SEC programs high on his list. After leaving Norman on Sunday, it appears the Sooners passed the test with flying colors.

"I enjoyed the experience a whole lot and I had a whole bunch of fun," said Taylor, the nation's No. 200 overall player. "I really went there for the game day atmosphere. Schools around home, I've been there for games but I wanted to see what Oklahoma had to offer and it was crazy."

"When they told me they had sold out 108 games straight I thought he was just talking but there was really no seats left in the house."

Taylor was hosted on the trip by Sooners freshman linebacker Caleb Kelly, a former five-star prospect and a key member of the school's 2016 recruiting class. Taylor said the two had a good time and bonded while discussing the transition of playing at a school far from home. He also spent plenty of time with the Sooners coaches, who outlined a plan for him to see the field early in his career.

"They were just saying that they're going to need at least another MIKE linebacker and they think that I have the ability to play MIKE and WILL," Taylor said. "It's just a bonus for me, trying to get on the field as fast as possible. They said they will use me in a bunch of different ways just to get me on the field."

Taylor admitted that he hadn't viewed early playing time as a major factor in his recruitment until recently, but now it's on his mind as he takes official visits.

"I really just started thinking about that type of stuff the past couple of weeks and I want to play early," he said. "That's a bonus that they can offer that and having that chance."

Taylor was accompanied on the trip by his mother and the two discussed the trip as the weekend went along. The distance from the Atlanta area to Norman was also a topic, but Taylor said the two are on the same page when it comes to that topic.

"She enjoyed the trip and to be honest she really doesn't care where I go as long as I'm happy and it's the best place for me," Taylor said. "Distance really isn't an issue for us. It was only a 90-minute flight to get here so I know she can do that and come see me anytime she wants."

So with the trip in the books have the Sooners shot to the top of Taylor's list?

"They've always been one of my favorite schools," he said. "They didn't move up but they've always been up there from the start."

Taylor has yet to schedule any other official visits but said he's in the middle of planning trips to Auburn, Alabama, Oklahoma State and others.