DC Metro Sports - Tyrod Taylor

Written by Wendall Stevens
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Head Coach Mike Smith of perennial powerhouse Hampton High knows how to develop quarterback talent. He has coached the likes of Virginia schoolboy legend Ronald Curry, who currently plays wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders and Marques Hagans. Hagans quarterbacked the Virginia Cavaliers and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Coach Smith's latest protege is Tyrod Taylor, who signed a letter of intent to play for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Taylor follows a line of great high school quarterbacks from the Hampton Peninsula and the Vick brothers Michael and Marcus who both led the Hokies into national prominence. Taylor first took over the QB position as a ninth grader after the starter went down with an injury and has not looked back. Taylor 6'1" 210 led the Crabbers to the state title as a junior. A return engagement to the playoffs last fall met with an upset at the hands of Maury High. Taylor has been ranked by Rivals and Scout in the top five prep QB’s in the country. Because of his athleticism, Taylor is classified as a dual-threat quarterback, which means like the Vick brothers, he can hurt opposing defenses with his running ability as well as his passing prowess. Coach Smith mentions it’s his athleticism that garners comparisons to Curry and Hagans. Besides the physical attributes, Coach Smith raves about Taylor character which is something the Hokies coaching staff should be pleased with. "Taylor is a really, really good kid, dedicated and mature." These are the words Smith uses to describe Taylor. Hokies head coach Frank Beamer uses these words to describe Taylor's qualities."I like his composure. Tyrod is steady and doesn't panic on the field. He's just in charge both on and off the field. Tyrod is a quality young man from a quality family. He makes things happen on the field. He is an extremely accurate as a passer, and he's a threat when he runs the ball. We're excited about what he brings to our program. You can't have enough leaders, and this young man is a leader." Here are Coach Beamer’s thoughts when asked how he stacks up with former Hampton High quarterback Ronald Curry and Marques Hagans: "I think he fits right in with the type of quarterback that has come out of that area (Peninsula) and the two that you mentioned, and I think you throw Michael Vick in with them and Marcus Vick in with them. I just think this guy (Tyrod) has a lot going for him in every way." When asked about the possibility of Taylor playing as a freshman. "We'll see. I think it's hard for a freshman to get enough reps during the preseason, but I won't rule it out. I do think Tyrod is a talented guy. It kind of depends on what happens with some of the other guys." Coach Curt Newsome, who recruited Taylor, believes he is underrated as a quarterback at this point. "I think he can make any throw on the field. I think he's been mislabeled as an athlete playing quarterback and that's wrong. As far as the total package, mentally, physically and the way he handles his emotions, he's the best to come out of the state of Virginia in a very long time. The sky is the limit for this young man." Coach Mike Smith said Taylor has no problem red shirting as a freshman because he wants to learn. When asked who is next in line at the quarterback position for Hampton High, Coach Smith said "We've spotted one, but it’s a secret, I can't tell you that."

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