[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.7.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://nationalscoutingcombine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FeaturedAthleteInterview.jpg” title_text=”FeaturedAthleteInterview” _builder_version=”4.7.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_image][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.7.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”95%” max_width=”1920px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”]
Joshua Taylor | Mississippi Valley State & Saint Francis | OL
Twitter: @__jct_ | Instagram: @__jct_
Q: Tell us about your college career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like. Why did you choose (Enter school name)?
A: Out of high school, I would say that I was under recruited. I had one offer coming out of high school and I signed with them before my senior year. At saint Francis university I redshirted my first season, barely played my 2nd and was able to start my 3rd year at 3 different positions. When Covid hit they canceled our fall and spring season and I transferred to Mississippi valley state university where I started all 11 games at RT and was able to pursue my graduate degree.
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: my biggest accomplishment so far is winning the best exterior lineman award at my school. Being there for one year, I was able to gain my teammates trust and respect and change the program for years to come.
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at (Enter school name)?
A: At MVSU, one of the most important things I learned from the coaching staff is overcoming adversity. Before the season there are pre-season polls and my school was picked to go 0-11. My coaching staff told us that predictions are just predictions and we will not fold to anyone. If they don’t think nothing of you , you just have to punch them in the mouth first
Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?
A: At Saint Francis university, I graduated with a degree in criminal justice and sociology. My plans after football is to open a security firm.
Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?
A: they would say that I am a great teammate and a team player. I am always willing to sacrifice for my team to get the best outcome for the team.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?
A: my last season at MVSU, we played against NCCU we’re it came down to the wire. On our last drive , we were able to score the game winning touchdown in 13 seconds.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?
A: I would say my biggest challenge is finding what coaching works for me. Having multiple o line coaches in my Collegiate career, I have had to adapt to different coaches styles. With that being said I had to change my game and play style sometimes
Q: Who was the best player you played against during your collegiate career?
A: I would say one of my teammates at MVSU. Jerry garner who is a DE/OLB was one of the most hardworking leaders on that team. Iron sharpens iron and I can say we both got better competing against each other.
Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?
A: I would say that I like to model my game and study quention Nelson and Trent Williams. They are the best at their positions and are real technicians. They know how to use their hands well and that’s why I have gotten better with my chop.
Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?
A: I am hardworking and coachable. I am a team player and willing to sacrifice for the team‘s success. Regarding my game, I have good feet and I am aggressive.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?
A: Yes I do. I work with my little league football team the Overbrook monarchs. I was able to give back and speak to the kids and coach them up through some drills.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?
A: I love listening to music and playing video games. I also like to hang out with my friends. In my spare time I even make music.
Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
A: To prevent homelessness. In Philadelphia there’s a lot of abandoned buildings and vacant houses and I feel like it they could knock them down build affordable housing and even shelters because no one deserves to sleep on the street.
Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
A: My dad easily. He is someone that pushed me from the start and always believed in me from Day 1. He is my role model.
Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
A: That I make music and like to play chess.
Q: If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
A: I would choose baseball. I played baseball when I was younger and always had fun playing it.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: I always felt like being a homicide detective would be a nice job. Tv shows like the wire, inspired me to study criminal justice and that was something I got to learn about.
