Good evening all, and welcome to NSFL Tonight. My name is James Wright, and tonight I sit down with Owen Taylor, defensive end prospect from the University of Nebraska. While not yet a house hold name like Dermot Lavelle or Blaster Blade, Taylor has quickly been gaining the attention of NSFL GMs and scouts with his rise from relative obscurity.
After coming out of high school largely unrecruited, Owen Taylor accepted a walk-on spot at the University of Nebraska. Spending his first season on the practice squad was an eye-opener for Taylor, who vowed to dedicate himself to improving his game. Unfortunately, his sophomore season was derailed in early August when he tore his ACL during a punt return drill. Despite this set-back, his dedication quickly became apparent as he was named Most Improved Player his junior and senior years, and Lifter of the Year for his senior year as well. His hard work paid off as he was named a starter mid-way through his junior year and earned a spot on the 2nd Team All-Big Ten team his senior year with 53 tackles, including 12 for a loss, and 7 sacks.
JW: Owen, It’s nice to meet you.
OT: Thanks, James. Glad to be here.
JW: Now, Owen, first question for you is probably one you’re getting sick of hearing… What do you say to those that complain there just isn’t enough tape on you for a proper evaluation?
OT: While it’s true, I only have about a season and a half of tape, I think the quality of the tape speaks for itself. Not to mention the various accolades I’ve earned throughout my career, if nothing else, it speaks to my dedication to improving my game as much as possible.
JW: Would you say that being over-looked coming out of high school played a part in your development?
OT: You know, I’ve always had the drive, so I can’t say that it really motivated me a ton, but it definitely didn’t hurt having a little extra motivation now and then.
JW: A recent mock draft had you going as the 40th overall pick. Do you feel like this is another case of being over-looked?
OT: Yes and no. While I think the concern around the limited tape is over-blown, I understand the concern. I can promise every team out there that they will get a dedicated player, willing to put in the time needed to become a true force in the NSFL. Besides, your draft spot is just a number. I won’t magically become I better player if I’m picked 10th or 100th.
JW: I’ve heard through the grapevine that a few teams are looking at using you as a 3-4 OLB. Any truth to that, and how do you feel about it?
OT: Yeah, I have been asked that by a few teams. While my size and experience at DE naturally makes me more comfortable there, I don’t think a move to a 3-4 OLB would too big a jump for me. Athletically, I think I would be just fine, and I would definitely excel in blitzing opportunities but, I would need to work on my pass coverage a little. However, in high school we ran a 5-2, so occasionally I would be asked to drop back into coverage. It isn’t completely foreign to me.
JW: Very interesting. So what do you say to teams in the market for a defensive end? What sets you apart from everyone else?
OT: My goal as a DE is to make the quarterback regret every playing football. I want to be in the backfield so much I get invited to his wedding. I may not get a sack every play, but I will be in his face, forcing him to make bad throws and knocking him on his back. I will be the last to leave practice, and the first in the film room. You are getting pure dedication.
JW: Owen, I’m excited to see what the future has in store for you.
Well, that about wraps it up for tonight. I’d like to thank our guest Owen Taylor for joining us, this is James Wright with NSFL Tonight, wishing you all a good evening.
GRADED
After coming out of high school largely unrecruited, Owen Taylor accepted a walk-on spot at the University of Nebraska. Spending his first season on the practice squad was an eye-opener for Taylor, who vowed to dedicate himself to improving his game. Unfortunately, his sophomore season was derailed in early August when he tore his ACL during a punt return drill. Despite this set-back, his dedication quickly became apparent as he was named Most Improved Player his junior and senior years, and Lifter of the Year for his senior year as well. His hard work paid off as he was named a starter mid-way through his junior year and earned a spot on the 2nd Team All-Big Ten team his senior year with 53 tackles, including 12 for a loss, and 7 sacks.
JW: Owen, It’s nice to meet you.
OT: Thanks, James. Glad to be here.
JW: Now, Owen, first question for you is probably one you’re getting sick of hearing… What do you say to those that complain there just isn’t enough tape on you for a proper evaluation?
OT: While it’s true, I only have about a season and a half of tape, I think the quality of the tape speaks for itself. Not to mention the various accolades I’ve earned throughout my career, if nothing else, it speaks to my dedication to improving my game as much as possible.
JW: Would you say that being over-looked coming out of high school played a part in your development?
OT: You know, I’ve always had the drive, so I can’t say that it really motivated me a ton, but it definitely didn’t hurt having a little extra motivation now and then.
JW: A recent mock draft had you going as the 40th overall pick. Do you feel like this is another case of being over-looked?
OT: Yes and no. While I think the concern around the limited tape is over-blown, I understand the concern. I can promise every team out there that they will get a dedicated player, willing to put in the time needed to become a true force in the NSFL. Besides, your draft spot is just a number. I won’t magically become I better player if I’m picked 10th or 100th.
JW: I’ve heard through the grapevine that a few teams are looking at using you as a 3-4 OLB. Any truth to that, and how do you feel about it?
OT: Yeah, I have been asked that by a few teams. While my size and experience at DE naturally makes me more comfortable there, I don’t think a move to a 3-4 OLB would too big a jump for me. Athletically, I think I would be just fine, and I would definitely excel in blitzing opportunities but, I would need to work on my pass coverage a little. However, in high school we ran a 5-2, so occasionally I would be asked to drop back into coverage. It isn’t completely foreign to me.
JW: Very interesting. So what do you say to teams in the market for a defensive end? What sets you apart from everyone else?
OT: My goal as a DE is to make the quarterback regret every playing football. I want to be in the backfield so much I get invited to his wedding. I may not get a sack every play, but I will be in his face, forcing him to make bad throws and knocking him on his back. I will be the last to leave practice, and the first in the film room. You are getting pure dedication.
JW: Owen, I’m excited to see what the future has in store for you.
Well, that about wraps it up for tonight. I’d like to thank our guest Owen Taylor for joining us, this is James Wright with NSFL Tonight, wishing you all a good evening.
Code:
Ready to be graded, 693 wordsGRADED
![[Image: bam_bam.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/742845006389444778/780215137557807124/bam_bam.png)
[OPTION]Johnny Snuggles || CB || Yellowknife Wraiths || Hall of Fame [OPTION]Height/Weight: 6'1", 205 [OPTION]Number: 21 [OPTION] Draft History: S13 #1 Overall [OPTION]=========================================== [OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:[OPTION] Ultimini Champs: S12 [OPTION] Defensive Rookie of the Year: S13 [OPTION] Pro Bowl: S14, S15, S16
