Taylor, one of the Top Recruits in the State, Held 16 Division 1 Offers
By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer | garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
Kam Taylor, the number one ranked high school tight end in South Carolina, is officially off the board.
In a ceremony held at Gathering Farm in Moore on July 31, surrounded by family and teammates, Taylor announced his verbal pledge to Liberty University and head coach Jamey Chadwell. Now, with his commitment out of the way, Taylor is ready to help the Woodruff Wolverines win their first state championship in 41 years.
“It was big for me to get the (recruiting) process done before the season,” explained Taylor. “I’m graduating early, so I get an extra six months to work in the weight room, nutrition, and get in touch with the offense.”
Taylor is entering his third season as a starter for the Wolverines, and burst onto the scene last year as a junior, catching 24 passes for 374 yards and eight touchdowns, becoming one of the most sought-after players at his position in the state. Over the past 12 months, Kam has racked up 16 Division 1 offers, but said of all his suitors, Liberty was the right fit and that the Flames made it clear he was a priority target for their program.
“There are a lot of connections (to Liberty) with my coaches (at Woodruff),” Kam explained. “A lot of them have played for Coach Chadwell, so I knew he was a great guy coming into it. And (Liberty tight ends) Coach (Cody) Ladutko, I feel like he was the most intimate in recruiting me. I love the facilities, I love the whole coaching staff, and everything about Liberty. They were my second offer and have always been loyal to me in the recruiting process.”
Woodruff head coach Brett Sloan first met Taylor as a sophomore and knew immediately what a dynamic weapon he could be. Sloan expressed how proud he is of the player and person that Kam has become.
“Let football take you somewhere you can’t take yourself,” said Sloan, speaking directly to Taylor. “It’s not which door you choose that matters the most, but how you walk through that door. Just keep being you. Keep doing what you do, and everything else will take care of itself. I know what kind of person you are, and I know the kind of player you are. I’m unbelievably proud of you and blessed and honored to be your coach.”
For Taylor, the end of his recruitment is just the start of another step in his football journey. Now, he is ready to concentrate on the season at hand and says he and his teammates have their eyes set on the ultimate prize.
As for Liberty fans, Taylor wants them to know one thing.
“You are getting a great player who is coming to work hard,” he said. “Hard work and good character are what it’s all about.”
Author: aryanethsales
