Interview: 2022 California WR Owen Taylor Showcased the Next Level Skills
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The goal is to continue to improve, but there really isn’t much more Owen Taylor can show college coaches that is not already on tape after the 2020 California high school football season this spring. The 6-3, 175-pound, target was hauling in passes from one of the best arms in the 2021 class in Dartanyon Moussiaux. The strong hands, clean catches, sharp routes, and breakaway speed led to a 28-reception, 431-yard, six-touchdown All-League selection campaign during Capistrano Valley’s five-game season. After 13 starters were hurt early in the season, Taylor showed his character, unselfishness, and athleticism jumping on the other side of the ball taking on safety.
With college programs starting to find the Class of 2022 standout, Taylor stopped by the RNG Clubhouse for a detailed conversation going over his junior run and offseason plans.
Interview
Owen, the Cougars passing attack was on point this spring averaging 351 yards per game. Being a big part of that scheme, how do you feel the season went personally?
I think it went great. This season was my best season. I could not have done it without Dart. I have never had a QB throw to me like that. It was crazy how he was throwing to me. Dart was the biggest thing for me this season. Our offensive line was great, they were on point allowing it to happen.
Running that Spread attack, what were some of the routes you were executing during the season?
I was running lots of outside releases, posts, a lot of slants and quick routs like screens.
With Dartanyon Moussiaux, who in my opinion is a top D-I caliber quarterback, slinging the rock your hands had to be strong. How have you developed your hand strength bringing in all of his passes so cleanly?
When he first came to our team, I was like holy crap he chucks it really hard. Three times a week in the offseason we’d get together and I was playing catch with my step-brother working on my hands. It was hard to catch his balls at first, because he chucks it and it is on point. Playing with him, you have to be ready. It took a lot of practice with him – lots of reps.
As your skills continue to grow, which areas saw the biggest improvement this season?
My route running and my yards after the catch.
Which was the best game of the season for you?
The San Juan Hills game was my best. I had two touchdowns and I went on defense. That was my chance to ball out on both sides of the ball, and I did.
Nice. The team capped the five-game schedule with a resounding 42-27 win over Aliso Niguel. Now that you are into your offseason, what will be the focus of your workouts?
I am focusing in the weight room. I wake up at 6:00 a.m. to workout before class. This offseason I am eating as much food as I can, most of it healthy; try to eat as healthy as I can. Then I workout after school and I have track practice to help my speed and my get offs.
Bringing up track practice, what are you doing to build up your speed and agility?
Hills, parachutes, sprints as well, and the 100 meters. In the weight room I am doing lunges and kicking up to help with my acceleration.
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve put down?
About a month ago I ran a 4.5.
Which events in track are you competing in this year?
The long and high jump. I just had an invitational on Saturday.
What are your personal records in those events?
My PR is 21-feet in the long jump and 6-feet in the high jump.
Last question for you. Camp season is picking up. Are there any camps you may go to this spring or summer?
I am going to a couple coming up. There are a couple of coaches that have been reaching out inviting me to camps. One is at San Luis Obispo.
Owen, thank you for your time today. Wish you great success with the rest of your track season and at the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Taylor family; Owen Taylor