Taylor takes in Tuscaloosa
Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Day junior running back Kelvin Taylor had been to the University of Alabama prior to Saturday, having visited there during the summer, but the environment was a bit different with over 100,000 rabid fans in attendance for a battle between the nation's top two teams.
"I have been there before but never for a game," Taylor said. "It was a totally different experience than when I was there during the summer."
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Upon arriving on campus, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound back was shown around the facilities.
"I got a tour around the school before the game started," Taylor said. "I liked everything. They have a great weight room. They have great facilities. I know every school in the SEC has top-notch facilities."
He was also shown attention by the coaching staff during his time on campus leading up to the game.
"Pretty much I just hung out and talked with Coach (Nick) Saban and Coach Bobby Williams," Taylor said. "They just told me they really want me at Alabama and that it is a great program. I was liking it up there. It is a really great school."
In addition to the coaches, Taylor has also developed a friendship with current Alabama running back Trent Richardson. He says the two of them talked again on Saturday.
"We pretty much just talk football," Taylor said. "He tells me to stay focused and to just keep working hard. That is it really."
As for the game itself, the offensive superstar wasn't bored by the defensive battle on the field.
"It was a very good game," Taylor said. "Two great defenses going at it. Two great coaches going at it. It was a very hard fought game and I enjoyed it. I loved it there. It was a very good time."
With his visit now concluded, Taylor says the Crimson Tide remain amongst his early favorites.
"Right now I have offers from everyone," Taylor said. "I am looking mainly at Florida and Alabama, and LSU.
"There is just something about Alabama," Taylor added. "It is a great school with great tradition. It is a great place for running backs to go and play football at."
During the season, Taylor visited Alabama, Florida, and Miami for games. Taylor says he is done with visits until after his team has concluded their playoff run.
On his junior season, Taylor has 1,941 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns on 198 attempts. For his high school career, he now has 8,587 rushing yards and 135 rushing touchdowns.