Kansas Football: Interview with 2021 Defensive Athlete Nikko Taylor
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Blue Valley North High School, located in Overland Park, has a solid core groups of rising stars returning in 2020 that took the Mustangs to the third round of the playoffs and finished 5-6 last season. One of the rising stars is Nikko Taylor, who plays on all three levels of the defense.
Last season Taylor spent time at strong safety, outside linebacker and defensive end while racking 49 total tackles, seven pass break-ups, five sacks and three fumble recoveries. This 6’6”, 225-pound, tackle machine uses his size and strength to deliver huge hits and tackles from sideline to sideline. He also possesses great quickness off the snap, athleticism and footwork.
This Class of 2021 recruit is currently receiving interest from college programs including Columbia and Brown out of the Ivy League. With interest surrounding Taylor rising, it’s only a matter of time before he receives his first college football offer. Not only is Taylor a star on the football field but also on the basketball team where he plays shooting guard and forward and holds a 3.0 GPA in the classroom.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Nikko to talk about his junior season at Blue Valley North and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Nikko, first off, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“My thoughts on last season was that we didn’t necessarily start off our season that good but the further we got into our season we got a lot better and developed into a championship team but ended having our season cut short in the third round of playoffs.”
How would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“I would grade my performance at a B, because I was playing new positions this past year. I had to learn and adjust quickly, and I just don’t think I played to my full potential, which I plan to show this next year.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I would say that my strengths are dropping back into zone coverage and being able to cover a good amount of space fast, also blitzing off the edge and making the quarterback get it out of his hands.”
What was your most memorable moment last season?
“The most memorable thing about last season was coming back from 21 points down with my guys in the second round of the playoffs against Gardner-Edgerton. That game showed how much heart we had.”
Did you receive any individual honors last year?
“My individual awards were honorable mention for All-EKL defense and honorable mention for 100 Top Non-Seniors.”
What kind of challenges did you face last year?
“Some challenges that I faced were learning new positions and learning what their role are in the playbook.”
How did you overcome this challenge?
“How I overcame this challenge was that I studied the playbook and kept listening and getting feedback, and constructive criticism from Coach Sims.”
What is your practice schedule during the offseason?
“My schedule during the off-season is a mixture of basketball, weightlifting, and speed training.”
What are you working on most to improve your game?
“What I’m working on most is trying to gain weight and get stronger so I can become more explosive.”
Which schools are showing you interest at this time?
“South Dakota State, Columbia and Brown, which are both Ivy League schools, and also some NAIA schools.”
Have you been to any college camps?
“I was invited to a couple Junior Days but they were cancelled due to the Coronavirus.”
What do you like most about playing your favorite position?
“I play safety, defensive end, and linebacker for my team but what I like most about my favorite position at outside linebacker is that I can get involved in the run game and passing game so it’s a lot fun.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.78.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I play shooting guard and forward on the basketball team.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My dad has had the biggest impact on my football career. He has always expected me to play at a high level and when I was little, he pushed me to points that I never thought I would get to. And he will always be the first person to tell me if I didn’t play good and I respect it.”
What is your GPA?
“3.0.”
What is your favorite thing about playing at your high school?
“My favorite reason I play at my high school is the competitive and winning culture as well as the family/brotherhood that Coach Sims has built. I really enjoy playing under him.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Blue Valley North’s Nikko Taylor