DB prospect

[zipboy]

Hilliard Darby DB/WR Taylor Price may not have been a name many had heard of prior to the Ohio State camp a few weeks ago. However, after recording the best forty time in camp with a 4.29, many were left asking exactly who this speedy defensive back exactly is.

Standing in at 6-1, 195-pounds, Taylor recorded 52 tackles with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and five blocked kicks in 2004 for the 5-5 Hilliard Darby squad.

"I think what sets me apart from other players is my size and strength," said Taylor. "I have good closing speed and awareness too, but I think I need to work on my quickness and breaking on the ball."

With this combination of skill and talent, Taylor is garnering some collegiate interest. He is hearing from Ohio State, Cincinnati, Akron, Ohio and Miami (OH). He camped with the Buckeyes and the Bearcats this summer and is planning on camping at Akron on July 24th. While he has yet to receive an offer, Taylor likes each of the schools taking notice.

"I really got along well with the coaches at Cincinnati," he said. "I feel like we have a good relationship and I feel comfortable talking to them. I got along really well with my position coach [Tim Haynes] at Ohio State and I got to talk to Coach Tressel. I really like Akron's campus a lot, too."

Primarily a defensive back, Taylor plays both ways in high school and some of the colleges taking notice are interested in him playing wide receiver and returning kicks with his blazing speed.

"I am willing to play anywhere," he said. "I played running back before high school. It is kind of good to get back on offense."

Entering the 2005 season, Taylor hopes to lead Hilliard Darby to their first playoff appearance in school history and to earn All-Ohio honors.

"We're looking pretty good this year," Taylor explains. "We will be better than last year. I am not going to give a record or anything, but we have really improved and things are looking good."