2013 Recruiting: Kelvin Taylor

Position:  Running Back

Hometown/School:  Belle Glade, FL - Glades Day

Height/Weight:  5'10/215

Rivals - 247Sports - Scout - ESPN

Other Offers:  South Carolina, Florida State, Alabama, USC, Miami

Report:  Kelvin is the son of former Gator great, Fred Taylor.  Taylor's commitment came down to his father's alma mater and the school that has produced a pair of great running backs recently in Alabama.  Taylor committed to the Gators back on Florida's Junior Day.

The four major recruiting services seem to be split on Kelvin Taylor.  ESPN (4-star) and 247Sports (5-star) rank Taylor as the best running back in the nation for 2013.  On the other hand, Scout and Rivals both agree that he is a 4-star prospect and rank him 9th and 10th.  Interesting.

Kelvin Taylor has been playing varsity football for Glades Day High School since he was in the 7th grade.  Taylor has put up huge numbers and has already broken Emmitt Smith's Florida high school rushing record.  In the 8th grade, Taylor rushed for almost 1700 yards and 27 TDs which helped him being named All-State that year.  Remember, that was just his 8th grade year.

Here is what Chad Simmons of Scout had to say about Kelvin Taylor:

Taylor is built very low to the ground, he has a very strong lower-body, and he is very tough to tackle. He keeps his legs moving after contact, he moves very well laterally, and although he may not have elite speed, he has very quick feet. He hits the hole with quickness and power, and he is a very productive back. He has natural running back instincts and he has a good feel for the game when the ball is in his hands.

Bud Elliott from SB Nation:

He has been a workhorse back, with many games of over 30 carries. Taylor is not big enough to carry the rock that many times in the college game, but he does have a nice blend of power, speed, quickness and natural instincts (thanks, Dad!).

 The main question surrounding Taylor seems to be whether he can last in college or not.  By the time Taylor graduates from high school, he will have played 7 years of varsity football.  Can Taylor stay healthy through his time at Florida?  Hopefully.

Taylor will play in the Under Armour All-America Game next year and Taylor just finished competing at The Opening.

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