Carl Albert's Taylor finds home with familiar coaching staff, new position
MIDWEST CITY — Carl Albert senior Dadrion Taylor was trying to mask the disappointment in his voice.
Nearly a month ago, he was forced to call his mom while playing in a basketball tournament in Bartlesville with some bad news. Utah State's new coaching staff had taken a different running back, despite Taylor's pledge in December.
His feelings were hurt. In his mind, his best scholarship chance was gone. “He said we're going to pray about it,” Shandalon Taylor said.
“He said something else was in the works.”
What was on the horizon still connected him to Utah State. New Texas Tech coach Matt Wells and defensive coordinator Keith Patterson cooked up a plan for Taylor, a recruit they still wanted in their new program, even if at a different position.
Could he play defensive back? “I had never played a down of defense a day of my life,” Taylor said. “It was a shocker to me.” It wasn't a crazy idea, and it made even more sense when Taylor signed his National Letter of Intent with Texas Tech on Wednesday to remain with the original coaching staff that believed in him.
Taylor, a 5-foot-11, 170pound speedster known as “Rabbit,” will play defensive back. Not running back, the position he earned The Oklahoman's All-State and Big All-City Offensive Player of the Year honors.
“If you ask me, I consider myself an athlete,” Taylor said. “I'm used to getting the ball and doing my thing. Now, I have to get the ball. Once I get the ball, it's going to be dangerous.”
Wells, a Sallisaw native, and Patterson, a Marlow native, always respected Taylor's playmaking ability.
This postseason alone, he scored 13 touchdowns in leading the Titans to a third straight Class 5A title. So, they offered him a chance to be Utah State's next running back. Taylor fell in love with the campus and mountainous background.
But Carl Albert coach Mike Corley warned Taylor to make sure he's 100 percent in. The school was 17 hours away and coaches leave.
The next day, Wells left and took Patterson to Lubbock, Texas.
Taylor did not sign in the early signing period. Patience was the best route, but when he lost his Utah State opportunity Taylor followed with visits to Western Illinois and multiple Division II schools.
Meanwhile, Wells and Patterson discretely watched Taylor work out one afternoon during basketball practice. Wells, Patterson, former Oklahoma assistant Kerry Cooks and Julius Brown arrived at Taylor's house that night.
Last weekend, Taylor visited Texas Tech and received the scholarship offer. His position will be different, but his goal to play Division I football was met.
“I can play more positions, anything my team needs,” Taylor said. “They want me to play corner, so I'll be the best corner in the Big 12 now.”