Fayetteville 2017 QB Taylor Powell Talks Oklahoma State Unofficial Visit and Semifinal Playoff Showdown against Rival Bentonville

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is still a lot of football left to be played for Class of 2017 quarterback Taylor Powell but for now none of the games to be played are more important that the next four quarters that will help define Fayetteville High School’s 2015 season and perhaps continue building a legacy for the talented gunslinger.

Powell has had another standout season completing 241 of 328 passes for 3,195yds with 46 touchdowns against just six picks with five rushing touchdowns. The stat line improvement is impressive over a sophomore season that was equally impressive in its own right when he threw for 2,513 yards with 20 touchdowns against eight interceptions leading the Bulldogs to a state championship runner-up finish.

The Bulldogs are once again one of the top teams in the state of Arkansas with an 11-2 record and once again must face their bitter rival Bentonville for a chance at gridiron glory. Bentonville defeated Fayetteville 37-26 on Nov. 6 adding more fuel to the already heated rivalry. The Tigers took two from the Bulldogs last season winning 45-2 (Nov. 7) during the regular season and held on to top Fayetteville 24-21 in the 2014 Arkansas High School Championship Game.

With all the excitement building up on the field, the 6’2”, 195 pound, athlete took a break from the pending big game over the weekend to unofficially visit Oklahoma State. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I sat down with Taylor to get his thoughts on Fayetteville’s semifinal game against Bentonville and got a recruiting news update about his visit to Stillwater.

Interview

Taylor, how did the visit to Oklahoma State go?

“I loved it. It was great to see the atmosphere of the school and see the campus first-hand on game day. I have a good friend who goes to school there. I saw the Greek life and all the things that go on at the university. I got to talk to Coach (Mike) Yurcich, the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, before the game. I interacted with the players and fans before the game. It was a great experience.”

What did Coach Yurcich talk about with you?

“He talked about the game. He said he really liked my film and I play the position great. He said he was impressed. They are still going through the process but he said they are impressed with my film. I really only had about two minutes to talk to him right before the game.”

Was this your first interaction with Coach Yurcich?

“I went to an OSU camp this summer, that’s when we first met. We started talking then.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the team’s offense?

“I think I would be a great fit. I like how they used quarterback Mason Rudolph. They allow their quarterbacks to use their arm and their legs to make plays. I believe I would bring that to the table. I saw a combination of a vertical passing game, quick screens, and OSU attacking the whole field. They get the ball into the playmakers hands and let them work. The Oklahoma State offense is one I’m comfortable in and one I would flourish in if I went there.”

Did you tour any areas of the campus or facilities and if so what was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“I loved the facilities. The facilities were top notch, one of the best I’ve seen first-hand. I was blown away. All very nice and definitely state of the art.”

Who went with you on the visit?

“My mom and dad.”

What did mom and dad think about OSU?

“I think they were overall impressed with it. They have good friends that have gone there and know a lot of people that are tight with the program and the football team. They really liked it. It was nice that they got to see it first-hand as well. They were really impressed and on the same page as me.”

Do you have another visit scheduled upcoming?

“Not this season, not anymore.”

I know it is way too early, but if you were putting together a list of schools would OSU be in your Top 5?

“Yes, no doubt.”

Switching gears, the Bulldogs had a big playoff against Bryant (won 30-24). How did the game go in your opinion?

“It went well. I felt like we spread the ball around well. They played the pass, so we relied on the run. We turned to the run game to help get the win. I think I only threw the ball 27 times. I think it was an overall balanced game. We did not execute the way were are capable but a win is a win.”

Bentonville is coming off a 28-21 win over NLR. You guys lost to the Tigers 37-26 on Nov. 6. What do you guys have to do this time around to get the win?

“We can’t turn the ball over. We have to score when we have the opportunity. We have to execute. I’ll take our guys over their defense. If we execute we’ll be just fine. Everything will take care of itself if we play our game.”

The season has gone really well for you overall. My understanding is you have broken some school records posted by some name players. Is that right?

“I think I tied the school record for touchdowns in a season and beat the old record for total touchdowns in a game. I think I’m leading the state in passing too. I’m sure I’m leading the conference in passing.”

Who did you beat out for the school records?

“Brandon and Austin Allen (Arkansas Razorbacks).”

Do they know you the Allen brothers?

“I’m good friends with both of them, I grew up with them. I text them regularly. I’m really close with them.”

Do they know you broke their records?

“I don’t know if they know I broke the record. I don’t know if they know. Austin may know.”

I wasn’t sure if there was some good natured ribbing going on between you and either one of the Allen brothers?

“No, not yet anyway.”

Taylor, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Bentonville.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Powell family; Taylor on the field at Oklahoma State pregame before the Baylor game.