Trent Taylor signs with Tennessee

Published Feb. 1, 2012

Trent Taylor

Strongside defensive end, 6-2, 270

Lakeland, Fla. (Lake Gibson)

Committed: Sept. 29, 2011

Enrolled: Jan. 11, 2012

Prospect Rankings

247Sports: 3-star

Rivals: 3-star

Scout: 4-star

247Sports Rating: 85 (No. 43 strongside defensive end, No. 84 prospect in Florida)

The skinny: Playing in the highest classification in one of the best state for high school football, Taylor was truly a standout player, racking up 66 tackles and 14 sacks. The key for him, along with every other defensive lineman at his size, is how he’ll adjust to the next level and, particularly, how he’ll fit in to the 3-4 defense UT will run on occasion under new defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri. A former Miami commitment who backed off the Hurricanes once news broke about potential NCAA sanctions, Taylor was intrigued by the opportunity for early playing time at UT. He’ll get a much-needed head start on his freshman competition thanks to his early enrollment.