Fayetteville 2017 QB Taylor Powell Talks NSD 2016 and gives a Recruiting Update

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If you live within the Natural State, whether you follow high school football or not, you have heard about Taylor Powell. If you live outside the state of Arkansas and have not heard about him yet, just wait because the national media attention is sure to pick up during the offseason camp circuits.

Powell has been a lightning bolt of activity, production, and success at quarterback for Fayetteville High School since his sophomore season. He helped led the Bulldogs to the state championship game in 2014 and then took his team to the promise land in 2015 bringing home the hardware. Along the way to a state title during his junior season, Powell passed for 3,594 yards with 49 touchdowns and had 115 yards on the ground with six more scores. The state and national honors followed which included the USA Today Offensive Player of the Year for Arkansas, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Offensive Player of the Year, 7A All-State first team, 7A All-Conference, 7A Offensive Player of the Year among others.

Powell already has five offers on the table, getting his first two from Arkansas State and Wake Forest with Memphis, Maryland, and Illinois following suit. Even more interest is building over the 6’2”, 195 pound, gunslinger with Oklahoma State, Cal, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Central Florida, Pitt, Louisiana Tech, Purdue, Auburn, TCU, and South Carolina making contact. Another heavy hitter, Alabama, made initial contact within the hour of taking the field for the national championship game against Clemson. That’s one way to leave a lasting impression, especially after Bama took care of business on the field taking yet another title back to Tuscaloosa.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Taylor after National Signing Day 2016 to get his thoughts on how the process and day unfolded from his perspective and got a recruiting news update in the process.

Interview

Taylor, a lot of last minute commitments, flips, and craziness were going on throughout the day on Wednesday. As a top Class of 2017 recruit, what were some of your thoughts on the day? Did any teams surprise or impress you with their recruiting hauls?

“Most of the quarterbacks that I follow, because I feel my game is like theirs, they were already committed. There was nothing that really shocked me. I was happy for some of my guys that I played with. It was a cool signing day. It was cool to get an offer on Signing Day. I’m looking forward to next year when it will be me signing.”

Who offered you on NSD?

“Illinois offered me on Signing Day.”

Did any teams impress you with the talent they brought to campus?

“Michigan got (defensive tackle) Rashan Gary, he was the No. 1 rated player in the nation. I didn’t pay attention to it too much beyond that. I looked at the schools that offered me. I was looking at the grand scheme of things from my interest level. I’m more interested in the quarterbacks. They normally commit early so there is not a lot of excitement going on with them.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have five.”

Which schools are showing the most interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“The schools showing the most are Alabama, Wake Forest, Arizona State, Iowa State, Illinois, West Virginia, Auburn, TCU, South Carolina, and Texas Tech is starting to come along.”

Are the Arkansas Razorbacks showing any interest?

“They do but not as much as the other schools.”

How are your offseason workouts going?

“I’ve been working hard in the weight room. Trying to put on 10-15 more pounds. I want to get up around 210 by the season. I’m working on my footwork and throwing. I’m trying to perfect my craft. I’m trying to become a better quarterback before we get better as a team in spring ball.”

Do you have any visits upcoming?

“I’m going to Wake Forest on Feb. 20. I’m also visiting OSU (Oklahoma State), Arkansas State, North Carolina, and Maryland. Those schools are it for right now.”

Are you taking the ACT on Saturday?

“Yes.”

Are you nervous about taking the test?

“A little bit. Standardized tests are not one of my strong suits. I’m not the best at taking standardize tests. I have a 3.9 GPA in school taking vigorous classes, but we’ll see how well I do on the ACT.”

Good luck with the test. I’m sure you’ll do great.

“Thank you.”

Back to NSD 2016. When you were seeing how everything went did you start envisioning your process and your day in 2017?

“I’m taking the process slow. I want to find the school that is right for me. I don’t know what’s in the future. Who knows what will happen a year from now? It is really cool to have this opportunity. I feel blessed.”

Is the reality that in a year from now you’ll sign with a school and be headed off to the next stage of your life exciting for you?

“It’s very exciting. I’ve always dreamed of being a college quarterback. I’ve always dreamed big and I know I have the same dreams as most with a hard work ethic. I’ve won a state championship, a little league championship, a junior high championship, and I plan on winning another state championship. Then I want to move on to win a national championship. I look at Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) and see how they play the game. I’m 6-foot 2-inches, not 6-5, and that’s fine with me. Give me the ball and let me beat you. That’s how I approach every game and how I approach things in life. I use the gifts God has given me and I’m looking forward to proving it in college.”

Taylor, thanks for your time today and good luck with your test and upcoming trips.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: arpreps.com; No. 7 Taylor Powell gives the ball to the ref after scoring another touchdown.

Photo credit: Powell family; Taylor at Oklahoma State.