Taylor Jones-Morgan | Southwest Baptist University | LB
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Q: Tell us about your college career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like. Why did you choose Southwest Baptist University?
A: I was in contact with a few smaller schools and had some PWO opportunities from a couple big schools. I ended up going to a D1 FCS school out of high school and decided to transfer after my freshman year. SBU (Southwest Baptist) was one of the schools recruiting me out of high school and was the first school to reach out after my decision to transfer. I decided to commit and finish my college career there.
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: One of my biggest accomplishments would be overcoming so much adversity throughout my college career. The other would be being a captain early in my career and being seen as a leader by my teammates and coaches.
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at Southwest Baptist?
A: The coaches at SBU really developed me as a leader. We had leadership meetings during fall camp where we covered points in a leadership book and applied them to the team. One of my coaches told me “A great leader is a great leader even when things may not be going as well for them personally” and that really stuck with me.
Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?
A: My undergrad degree was mass communications, and I am finishing my master’s degree in business administration. If football didn’t work out, I would be interested in things like real estate and owning a car wash as one option. I would look to have multiple sources of income
Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?
A: My teammates would say some of my best qualities are my toughness, leadership, and reliability.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?
A: Getting an interception in a televised game a few years ago
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?
A: Learning the importance of rehabbing and taking care of my body because of previous injuries. It helped me prioritize really taking care of my body outside of what we do in football.
Q: Who was the best player you played against during your collegiate career?
A: Al McKeller from Uindy
Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?
A: Versatility is a big part of my game. I like to be good at many different things as a linebacker. I watch tape on guys that play both outside and inside linebacker to try to incorporate into my game. Two of the guys I like and watch often are Fred Warner and Reuben Foster.
Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?
A: My biggest strength is my football I.Q. and really understanding the game of football. Being aware of situations in a game help put me in positions to make plays and make my team better. My work ethic and determination to be great/ the best are also great strengths.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?
A: I love mentoring and charitable opportunities. At SBU we participated in “Big Cat Little Cat” where the team went to the schools in the neighborhood every Friday and spent time with the kids. Being a positive and Inspiring presence to others is a great honor.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?
A: Visiting new places and trying new things. I didn’t do much traveling growing up so I like to take advantage of something like that whenever I can.
Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
A: Playing a big part in developing people’s athletics experiences would be great. I would love to have a facility where people can go to work out and explore fitness, and for kids to develop as athletes. I also want to be able to sponsor different teams for kids to be a part of.
Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
A: My mom. All the sacrifices she’s made and things she’s done for me to allow me to do what I love means the world to me. She is one of the biggest sources of motivation I have in my life.
Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
A: Being an only child seems to surprise a lot of people. I am good at interacting with people and keeping people’s attention.
Q: If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
A: Baseball. The game is interesting because it requires a lot of focus and accuracy with things like hand-eye coordination. It’s also a little less strenuous on the body than football.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: I don’t have a specific job in mind, but it would probably be something that pays a lot with minimal responsibilities. Something that would be relaxing and involving but also add joy to my life.