Interview: Impressive 3-Offer 2023 California RB/OLB Kam Taylor Updates Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Kamron “Kam’ Randell-Taylor was one of the more impressive freshmen in the Golden State during the 2019 season. Taylor’s coaches at Jurupa Hills eased him into action on the varsity level, first at running back, then outside linebacker, and with time on special teams. By the end of the season, the Spartans were relying on the Class of 2023 talent building to a 45-carry, 319 yard 3-TD and 5-reception 185-yard, 2-TD campaign on offense. On defense, the now 5-11, 175-pound, standout compiled 17 tackles, 14 solo with two sacks, two tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. With a move in the offseason Riverside Prep, Taylor will lace up his cleat during California’s 2020 season with three offers on the table.
In an initial RNG interview, Taylor covers ground on his breakthrough season as a freshman with a look into his offseason workouts.
Interview
Kam, you were not playing around during your freshman season with the Spartans getting time in during all three phases of the game. At what point during the 2019 schedule did things start clicking for you when you were catching up to the speed of the game and going against guys at least four years older?
It was when… what clicked and made me know it was serious was on my first play, it was a screen pass. When I scored, I said to myself I have to focus and train more. I was playing at 150 pounds. I didn’t know if I was going to get many carries going into the season. That play motivated me to work harder and get everything done.
That you did. On offense you got to show your all-purpose abilities as a runner and receiving threat. When the season ended, what did you feel were your strengths as a tailback?
My strengths were mainly patience going through the holes and knowing which ones to go through, and my speed.
You made an impact on defense as well. Where all were you lining up on that side of the ball?
Outside linebacker. I was playing the Dog in nickel.
How did your game grow as a defender in 2019?
Mainly through practice. I wasn’t sure of what I was doing at first. Last year was my first year playing linebacker. I was mainly blitzing out of the Dog. I was struggling in practice at first but I got into the game flow. When I got a tackle for a loss, that motivated me on defense. I got better at it as the season went on. Studying helped me. My coaches would work with me one on one, tell me what to do, the hole to go to; that helped me know what I was doing around the field.
When did you find out you were going to be relied upon heavily on both sides of the ball?
At the beginning of the season I was not doing much, but by the middle end of season guys were getting hurt. My coach pulled me aside and told me you are the guy now. I was getting better throughout the season, they are telling me what to do. With people hurt, I went from second string and moved up. That motivated me even more.
When did you become a starter?
I started in the playoffs going both ways against Rio Hondo Prep at running back and at Dog.
This offseason you transferred to Riverside Prep. Which positions are you taking on when the 2020 season kicks off?
On offense, I will be at running back and I am trying to play some at slot and receiver. On defense, I might switch to corner. I might get reps at linebacker as well. We will see how it goes.
What have you worked on this offseason to prepare for those roles?
A lot of training. 7v7 is coming up, that will give me a better option to do my work as a receiver. Playing 7v7 will help me as a receiver, and out of the backfield helping with my route running.
How have you added more speed and agility to your game?
Stretching, with my friends we go out and do drills, and I have coaches helping me. My coaches are teaching me what I need to know. Sometimes I do hills and some beach workouts. The sand slows you down, and the hills are one of my favorites. You get faster on the hills. It is tiring but you have to put the work in.
Let’s go into recruiting. Even though you are an underclassman, college programs are finding you. Which schools that you know of are already showing interest?
On Twitter, Penn State, Duke, Fresno State, and West Virginia.
You already have some offers too. How many do you have?
I have three; Florida Atlantic, Maryland, and Nevada.
Which program was the first to offer?
Nevada.
Are there any visits you may take in the coming months once allowed?
As many colleges as I can visit, I will. I want to visit all the schools that have offered me.
Last question. Are you planning on playing any other varsity sports for Riverside Prep?
When we get back to school, I want to run track. I wanted to my freshman year but couldn’t because of the virus.
Kam, it was even more impressive finding out much of your productivity on the field during the 2019 season was done in about half a season. Keep up the hard work. Thanks for your time today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Taylor family; Kam Taylor