Getting To Know Tony Taylor, III & The Odds He Is Defying

by | Jan 23, 2018 | Community

There are so many high school football players out there with aspirations to get to the next level. So many of them looking to play in college football for the best of programs.

But, the truth is the odds of them are slim. Only 6% of high school seniors (1 in 16) will play football in college. 1.7% of senior football players in college (1 in 50) will get drafted by a National Football League team. .08% of high school seniors (8 in 10,000) will eventually be drafted by an NFL team.

I am going to go on the record though, and say, “Tony Taylor has all of his bases covered.” He has garnered success on and off the field. He will probably be one of the athletes that defy the odds because of his hard work in the classroom first and then, his hard on the field.

Let’s meet Tony Taylor. He is such a soft spoken young man. But, he is also of high character and a character, full of fun, and intelligent. Some would say a gentle giant. He is 6’6 and 270 lbs the last time we check. And, I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t go through another growth spurt.

He possesses all of the intangibles on the field. As a matter of fact he was considered the best OL on the field at the MVP Camp in Valdosta, Ga. Coach Wise of Tygtal Exposure and Sports Consulting said, “Tony impressed everyone. We went in with a lot of expectations for him and he did not disappoint us. In fact all of our guys performed really well at the camp” The result for Tony Taylor was….Top OL of MVP Camp sponsored by Chad Simmons and Scout.com. Coach Andre Wise also says, “He is smart enough to learn the game on all levels. He has long arms and quick feet. He is a student of the game, and also a gym rat. He loves the weight room.”
Tony gives a lot of praise to his High School Coach, Franklin Pridgen. He says, “I am a lot better now because of what Coach Pridgen has instilled in me.”

He has not received any offers yet but, he is considered to have a lot of upside. And, as we all know you can’t teach size. I am sure the interest will grow as his Jr season closes, and he goes through the Summer Camp Tour.But, this is not all there is to this young man. As I said, “He will defy the odds and brick his own path.” His GPA is 3.64. His parents Tony and Kaaryn Taylor make sure to put academics first in their household.

If you ask him what he likes to do in his spare time he will say, “I like the concept of service, and I like to help people.” Now, how many student-athletes do you hear say that at this age?He wants to be an Engineer if this football thing doesn’t work out–if he is a part of those odds I mentioned to start this feature.

If I were a betting person though I would say he has an outstanding chance to see more time on a football field than in the building of an Engineering Company in the early stages of his adult life.

Now, his parents are not so impressed with this wonderful skill he has on the football field, and the attention that he is receiving for it. They are more impressed with his GPA, and that is what’s promoted the most in his household. And, if you asked him, he is not nearly impressed with all of the attention from these big name schools either. He actually would love to attend the Naval Academy. He said, “I really have a desire to serve our country.”

 As a matter of fact he is currently a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the US Naval Sea Cadets and his unit is the 233rd Seabee Battalion in Loganville, GA. Last summer he attended Leadership Academy at Naval Station Norfolk and received the Good Shipmate award at graduation.

As I said, “Not many of this type of young prep athletes around.” He possesses football skills, wonderful success in the classroom, and a focus on GPA first and football second.

It’s no doubting Tony and Kaaryn Taylor have gotten this thing right with Tony III…..their focus in the right place. And, it is because of this different kind of prep athlete that I think there will be many different options for Tony Taylor, III Wesleyan High School.

It’s important to note his active school year is just a part of his upbringing. During the summer of 2013 he attended the highly selective Science Technology Engineering & Math camp at the US Naval Academy. Also during the summer of 2013 he attended a 10 day program for the National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine at Emory University.

He is an Average Breaker Ambassador – a program founded by Mr. Joseph Washington – whose purpose is to develop high performance teens into successful, motivated adults.

And, just when I thought I knew so much about Tony, he emailed to tell me, “Make sure everyone knows I love the Lord Jesus Christ and my hope is to continue to be a witness to His grace and glory.”~ Powerful.

Tony III with Tony Jr & Kaaryn….and brother & sister

I for one will continue to follow his path and update my readers. I am positive he will defy the odds no matter what he does. I love to see young adults have options and make good decisions. What a joy to get to know Tony!

Congratulations Tygtal Exposure & Sports Consulting for finding the special ones….the hidden gems that won’t be hidden for long.

And, much love from me to Tony Jr, and Kaaryn. I wish I ran into more parents like you all.