Taylor
was a 1st Team All-State selection as a senior. He was rated No. 94 on the South
Hot 100 list by Scout.com and No. 47 overall in the state of Florida by
The Orlando Sentinel.
Quentin is a three year starter at fullback
and linebacker. As a senior, he rushed for 550 yards and scored 9 touchdown while
playing offense in only five games. Taylor averaged eight yards per carry.
In
nine games on defense, Quentin had 85 tackles, including 4 QB sacks and 3 pass
interceptions. He helped lead Class 6A Apopka High to a 9-2 record his senior
season, before losing in the Regional Finals to Edgewater.
Taylor earned
3 letters in football and was coached in high school by T. Y. Ensor.
PERSONAL:
Grandson of Arthur and Dorthy Taylor ... Son of Michael Davis ... Stepson of Keita
Ross ... Born: February 21, 1987.
Comments from Coach T. Y. Ensor
"Taylor is a very talented and athletic player who has been a three-year
starter for us," said Apopka Senior Coach Ty Ensor. "You tell him what
to do and the first time he does it. If there is a problem, he fixes it. He blocks
as well and sheds blocks as well as anyone I've ever been around. He knows how
to use his hands to shed blocks. He has those instincts you want, and he can gain
ground quickly. He's a smart football player with a bright future."
Comments
from Ed Orgeron
"I love this kid. We had to compete really hard
at the end to get him away from several schools. I think he will be a tremendous
player for us. Quentin reminds me of the linebackers we had at USC. He can run
and he's an exciting football player. He's the quality LB I am used to having
on the field at places like USC and Miami."
The following
information was revealed during during our interview with Quentin Taylor:
Have
you seen any changes in your height or weight since you signed with Ole Miss?
"No, not really, I am still about (6' 0"), 225."
Have you
been timed in the 40 lately? "No, I am doing speed training, but I have not
been timed. We are going to do that in the last week before I leave off to Ole
Miss."
What does your speed training consist of? "I lot of footwork,
agility, and endurance stuff."
Have you tested yourself in the weight
room yet? "I have not maxed out because I am trying to get my shoulder right.
I injured it during the season."
What type of injury did you sustain?
"I slightly sprained it."
Did you have surgery? "No sir."
How
far back do you feel? "Like 75%. I really do not know because I have not
had any contact on it."
What are the doctors telling you? "He
said I just have to work my way back in it. He told me to lift light and increase
it as it feels more and more comfortable."
Are you going to participate
in any football All-Star events this summer or have they already been played?
"No sir, I did not want to risk further injuring my shoulder , so I decided
to pass on them."
When are you scheduled to graduate? "On May
17th."
Are you academically qualified? "Yes sir, my core was
a 2.8 and my overall GPA was a 3.2. I made a 1150 on the SAT."
When
are you set to enroll at Ole Miss? "I am leaving in early June."
Which
position do you expect to start out? "At Sam linebacker."
What
can the fans expect from Quentin Taylor? "A tough hard nosed player."
Did
you hear or read the comments from Coach Orgeron stating that he needed some help
from the incoming linebackers? "No sir, he said that?"
Yes. "Well,
I am coming in there to earn a spot, so that is good to know."
What
will be the number one adjustment you are going to have to make for next season?
"I just need to keep getting stronger and faster."
Any team goals?
"I expect us to compete for the national championship. I really do."
Are
you more nervous or anxious about the transition you are about to make? "Just
anxious. I am ready to get up there and hopefully get in the rotation."
Are
there any rising seniors from Apopka that we need to know about? "Yea, Nico
Stanley. He plays LB/RB for us. Nico is about 6' 0", 210. And Joe Shula at
WR. He is about 6' 4", 185. All three of our senior offensive linemen are
for real. Jamal Bass, Abe Evelan, and Gregory. They are all legit."
Thinking
back on it; what was the number one reason you choose Ole Miss? "Because
they showed the most interest in me. They were the only ones that took the time
to get to know me and my family."