Interview: Dynamic 2018 California Dual-Threat Levi Taylor Picks Up Where He Left Off Last Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Some players just have a knack for the game of football. Some of the on the field abilities a talented player showcases may be instinctive and/or taught, but somewhere in between there is a little bit of magic that allows said player to impact the game week after week and play after play. Without the fanfare of a five- or four-star status recruit, Levi Taylor quietly goes about his business as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation slinging the ball around the yard and chomping up turf on the ground against California competition.

Silverado High School streaked through the 2016 schedule to an 11-3 mark thanks in large part to their rising talent in the pocket. Taylor threw for 3,866 yards with 44 touchdowns and covered another 677 yards on the ground off 132 carries with 13 more scores added to the stat line. Per MaxPreps, Levi finished the season as the tenth most productive quarterback in the 2018 class during the 2016 season nationally. Just about every other honor one can receive followed Taylor’s efforts: All CIF-Southern Section Offensive Player of the Year, All-Area first team quarterback, Desert Sky League Offensive Player of the Year, and Silverado Offensive Player of the Year.

As is the case for most quarterbacks listed under 6-foot 3-inches, seemingly, college scouts are showing interest but are hesitating on extending offers because of Taylor’s 6-0, 182 pound, frame. If there are those offensive coordinators and quarterback coaches waiting to see what Taylor will do during his senior season, there has not been a drop off. In Game 1 of the Hawks 2017 season, Taylor filled the stat sheet once again racking up 331 yards on 18 completions with four touchdowns.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Taylor after the Hawks first game of the year getting a rundown on his evolving game in the pocket, insight on the Apple Valley contest, and an update on his growing recruiting process.

Interview

Levi, what areas of your game did you work on this summer?

“My pocket passing, making my reads before the play started, reading the defense and adjusting the play to the defense at the line of scrimmage. During the last game (Apple Valley), I feel like I did a good job of seeing if they were blitzing and then changing the play going away from the blitz. That was a big thing. My footwork last year was bad, I’m getting better with that. I worked a lot on coming over the top with my throws and my form.”

What improvements did you see in your game in the season opener against Apple Valley other than your pre-snap reads as you just mentioned?

“I improved a lot on getting the ball out quicker. Their strategy was to blitz me. I got the ball out quicker taking away their blitzing. That is something I wanted to improve on. We kept up in the game because of that. Also, my running. I made some things happen with my feet. I feel my rushing has gotten better. I am faster than last year.”

I saw your first touchdown pass of the season was a sweet 59-yard slant pass to LaTavion Staples and you also connected on 80-yard and 69-yard touchdown passes to Dionzae Nolan. How did it feel to get the first few of scores of the season under your belt in dynamic fashion?

“It felt really good. We were looking to catch up in the game, we got behind off turnovers. Just simple mistakes we made. We ended up tying the game and then got a two-score lead but could not hold it. They got us by one point (40-39).”

How did the Apple Valley game go overall for you personally?

“Not the way I wanted it to go on the scoreboard, but we will get back after it this week.”

Are there any kinks the Hawks have to work out on offense before the next game?

“Our pass coverage and our run game. We need to get that going earlier. I missed some simple passes early in the game. I have to fix that. Our run stop, we were either in their backfield or tackling them 15 yards downfield. We will make the adjustments as a team for next week.”

The Hawks have Serrano (Phelan) next, what kind of challenge will they bring on defense to you guys?

“They are a lot more physical on defense. We will have to adjust to that. They have some good D-linemen. That will pose a threat to us. They are a disciplined team. They always stay on their assignment no matter what.”

How are you preparing each week for your opponent?

“On Monday, we have a long film session breaking down the defense we will face. On Tuesday, we are in the weight room and on the field. We work on the physical aspects of the game then. We go with the scout defense and pick out plays to beat their defense. On Wednesday, we do the same things but a shorter session. Thursday is a lighter day, no leg pads just more the mental aspects of the upcoming game. We go through their defense one more time. We also watch the opposition’s JV defense. That gives us a real live look at their defense.”

You mentioned picking plays to beat the opposition’s defense, how do you guys go about doing that?

“According to their skillset, we adjust our plays and personnel. Last week against Apple Valley, they were in pass coverage or blitz defenses. We would wait for them to show their coverage and then call the play all based off our practices.”

What are some of the other games on the schedule you are looking forward to playing this year?

“I’m looking forward to our playoff games. We were moved up a Division (to Division 8). There are a lot of teams we played last year that moved up as well. As for during the season, Serrano (Sept. 1) is a big one. They really took it to us last year (37-6). Sultana (Sept. 8) is homecoming, that will be a big one. I’m looking forward to all our league games. We want to win league and get a good seeding in the playoffs.”

A quick catch up on recruiting interest. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“Hawaii – a lot of Mountain West Conference schools like San Diego State, Boise State, Wyoming, Army, UNLV, New Mexico, Nevada, San Jose State, and Utah State are showing interest.”

Last question. What goals have you set for your senior year?

“My goals may sound crazy, but I want 80 touchdowns and 6,000 yards passing. Based off the first game, it is possible. I threw for 3,000 yards and 40-something touchdowns last year. I feel I am twice as good of a player than last year. I want to lead my team to CIF and win it this time. That is the biggest one.”

Levi, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Raeanne Prescott photography; No. 15 Levi Taylor

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 15 Levi Taylor escapes a sack