Interview: 4-Star 2022 Tennessee Talent Taylor Groves is That Do-All Athlete

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When looking down the stat column for East Robertson High School’s (TN) football team, the name Taylor Groves continues to pop up. The 6-3, 180-pound, super sophomore seemingly does it all but drive the bus back-and-forth on road games. His breakout 2019 season has been filled with one dynamic play after another, especially on offense where he has pulled down 38 passes for 563 yards with four scores and rushed for 254 yards off 51 carries with three more trips into the end zone. In addition to lining up on kick and punt return, he is also adept on defense putting an end to 51 plays with 24 solo tackles, one tackle for a loss, a fumble recovery and has picked off five attempts in the Indians nine games played.

The excitement for Groves’ play on the gridiron has earned four-star recruiting status in the 2022 class with offers from Kentucky, Mississippi State, Murray State, and Tennessee. To cover all that he has going on, Groves sat down for an in-depth one-on-one conversation.

Interview

Taylor, going into the 2019 season did you know you would be counted on as heavily as you are in all three phases of the game?

“Yes, sir. I kind of knew. My coach and I talked about it. He wanted me to help the team out, I told him I will do everything I can to help my team win. On defense I am coming down the alley stuffing the run and on offense I do everything I can to help my team win playing receiver, running back, and Wildcat quarterback.”

How did you prepare your body over the offseason for the grind that was coming?

“I worked out every day to stay in shape. I knew I was playing just about every snap. I was eating the right foods, staying hydrated, and I did a lot of running.”

You are doing a little bit of everything on offense, including running the Wildcat, as mentioned. If you will, breakdown all that you are doing on offense this season and how you are getting the ball?

“Offensively, I am running routes and running routes out of the backfield, I have designed QB runs, and we are doing read-option plays where the quarterback is reading the defensive end.”

How are you seeing your game improve as a receiver this season?

“It is improving a lot actually. Most defensive backs I play against think I am just a deep threat, which I am, but I can run every route on the tree. I am showing that this year.”

On defense, you are killing it at safety with five picks and 51 tackles. How is your game improving on that side of the ball?

“It has improved a lot. I am more physical now than last year. I am making plays, filling the alley, going sideline-to-sideline, and when they pass I am going and getting it.”

Which game has been your best this season on defense?

“This season, my best game has been the Cascade (won 21-14). I had a pick and a big stop in the game. After that stop, we ran the clock out to win the game. That play ended the game. I played the QB in that game reading and watching their Wing-T offense.”

What about on offense?

“The Trousdale County game was my best. I played only the first three quarters. I think I had 130 receiving yards and eight or nine receptions. The way they played me, they allowed me to make plays and I made them.”

Nice. Which schools have offered you so far?

“Kentucky, Mississippi State, Murray State, and Tennessee.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“I work with guys at OTA, they get my film out. We sent it to Michigan, Notre Dame – they are showing a lot of interest, and Purdue. Those three schools are showing interest right now.”

From the summer to now, have you visited any programs?

“Yes. I visited Kentucky and Tennessee over the summer. I went to camps at both schools.”

How did the Kentucky visit go?

“It was great. Their receivers’ coach, Coach (Michael) Smith, I like him a lot. He is a great guy and a great coach. I like their receiver who moved to quarterback, but I think he is back at receiver now. I like Coach (Mark) Stoops a lot. He is a great and Kentucky is a great school.”

If you will, tell me about the Tennessee visit?

“That was also great. I talked to Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt, another great coach. I like it there. Tennessee is the home state school. The camp was great. I went around the stadium and locker room. The stadium is amazing. They have a great atmosphere at Tennessee. It is really nice there.”

Do you have any planned trips ahead?

“Yes, sir. I am going to Notre Dame soon for a game, their game against Navy. That is all for right now.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports?

“I am playing basketball as well.”

That shows in your receiving skills, blocking out the defensive backs. The team has picked up consecutive wins over Westmoreland and Harpeth. How did the team look in the victories?

“I thought we looked great. We were focused and we knew we had to have great practices to win the games. Westmoreland had beaten us last couple of years. We could have played better but we played well.”

You guys close out on the road against Watertown (7-2). What kind of game are you expecting from the Purple Tigers?

“We are expecting a physical game. They will be one of the more physical teams we play all year. This is probably the biggest game for us all year. If we win, we play a home playoff game.”

Taylor, it was great spending time with you today learning about all the skills you have on the field. I am wishing you and the rest of the team luck on Friday and in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Groves family; Taylor Groves at Tennessee and Kentucky