Interview with One of Georgia’s Best, Newton High School RB Kurt Taylor

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When the 2014 Georgia high school football season had come to an end Newton High School had posted a record of 7-4 that included a tough 43-29 third-round playoff loss to Etowah. The Rams have high expectations entering the 2015 season especially with No. 2 Kurt Taylor in the backfield.

Taylor is just entering his junior season but he is already considered one of the top backs in the nation by recruiting services. The 5’9”, 200 pound, talent had over 800 yards rushing last season splitting carries with then junior Romario Johnson. Despite the limited touches college recruiters could see the budding talent in the extremely talented Covington area player. The built like a rock rising star has 13 offers from teams like Michigan, Cincinnati, Colorado State, Indiana, Kentucky, UMass, Navy, North Carolina A&T, Rutgers, UAB, UNLV, and Vanderbilt.

Even though having 13 offers on the table entering your junior season is an amazing feat in and of itself, what might be even more impressive is the long distinguished list of top programs waiting to see his early junior season highlight reel before making their offers. That list includes Stanford, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Purdue, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Duke, Florida, and Auburn.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I sat down with Kurt before his first game of the season against Berkmar receiving some insight on his offseason workouts, how the Rams are looking entering the season, and got a recruiting news update in the process.

Interview
Kurt, you had an exceptional sophomore year at tailback even though you had to split carries. Looking back on the 2014 season, what were some of the things you had to quickly learn in order to excel for Newton?

“I learned that you have to be a great teammate, and have that team first approach. You gotta know your plays and know what you’re doing out there. You also gotta work hard. When you get up to the varsity level and get your chance you gotta do your thing.”

What did you do in the offseason to prepare for your junior season?

“I’ve been working hard this offseason focusing on my speed and agility. I’ve also been working on balance and I went to a lot of camps. I’ve also been working with the team and we’ve been working on our team chemistry.”

Is there an area of your game you wanted to improve upon from last year? Did you work on your field vision, any moves, or taking that one cut in the hole and then a speed burst?

“Yes sir. I definitely got bigger, faster, and stronger. I’ve been working on making the first guy miss, making cuts, and spin moves. The moves that I have been working on are coming easy to me. I’m ready to use them in the games. I’ve also been working on protecting the quarterback. That’s important to be able to pick up the blitz.”

A moment ago you mentioned using your moves in a game. You’ve already lined up against Eastside (21-7), how did that game go for you?

“It went great for me. I enjoyed the game but I just played in the first half. It was a scrimmage game. Our first game is tomorrow against Berkmar (won 43-0).”

In the scrimmage how well did you do?

“I had over 100 yards rushing. I got to use the spin move I’ve been working on all offseason. I just happened to do it. It happened instinctively. It happened out of nowhere.”

What are some of your goals for the 2015 season?

“My goals as a team are taking each game one at a time. I want to be 1-0 every week so we can get to the Dome (Atlanta Dome – championship game). I just want to be the best teammate I can be. As a running back, as I said, protect the quarterback, do my job, and do what needs to be done so we get the win. My personal goals are 2,500 rushing, 15 touchdowns, and that’s about it. I just want to dominate every chance I get the ball.”

If you end up with 2,500 yards rushing you’ll have a lot more than 15 touchdowns.

– Laughs

How does the team look heading into the 2015 season?

“We’re looking great. Our offense is 50-50, we can run the ball down hill and we have receivers that can dominate too. We have a dual-threat quarterback too. Our defense is young but hard working and busting their butts. I think we’ll be really good this year.”

Are there a couple of the teams on the 2015 schedule that you are looking forward to playing this year?

“Yes sir, Tucker (Game 6), Lovejoy (Game 8), and Lowndes (Game 5). Each one of those teams are supposed to be some of the top teams in the state, we’ll have to bring our A-game. Tucker, Lovejoy, and Lowndes are all going to be big games.”

What are your strengths on the field as a running back?

“What I do well, I get the yards. I like going head up with the defenders. I can run them over or put a move on them, that’s what I love to do.”

You said earlier you went to a lot of camps. Each camp wants to get the guys on the clock. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve clocked?

“4.5.”

What were some of the college camps that you attended over the summer?

“I went to Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State and I went to a lot of exposure camps.”

How did the Georgia camp go for you?

“It was good. All the top athletes were there. It was so crowded with a lot of people there. There was a lot of good competition there. I though I did great. When there are a lot of people you try to get the most reps as possible. I thought I did well with the reps I got.”

Did the Georgia coaches talk to you during or after the camp?

“Yes sir. The running backs coach said a lot of impressive things. He said he wants to see how I do a couple of games into the season and they’ll offer.”

Nice. Congratulations on that one. How did the Alabama camp go for you?

“It went good. I worked out for one session but it still went good. They were talking to me about my size and my ability to move. When we were competing I felt like I was one of the best out there.”

You already have 13 offers on the table. Which schools are showing interest in you right now but have not offered you yet?

“Stanford, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Purdue, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Duke, Florida, and Auburn are all showing interest.”

When you’ve talked to the different college coaches what are they telling you they like about your skill set?

“They love my character. When they watch my film they can see that I am a downhill runner and that I have a lot of moves. They’ve said that I catch the ball very well. They like what they see on the film. They compare me to a lot of running backs like Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) and Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings).”

They’re putting you up there with the best of the best. That’s the old flattery will get you everywhere kind of thing.

“(Laughs) Yes sir.”

Have a few years left to decide but have you thought about what you want to major in college?

“I want to major in sports management.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.7.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I take the ACT this fall.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Just having fun and bonding with my teammates. I like having fun with my teammates and making memories with my friends. When you get older you can look back on all the good memories you have from playing football. I just love football.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career so far?

“My parents have had the biggest impact. They’re always supportive and they’re always there. They’re always pushing me and wanting the best for me. They’re also always saying the right things and trying to help me get to the next level.”

Good luck this season Kurt.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; Kurt Taylor
Photo credit: twitter.com; Kurt Taylor at a Georgia camp