Interview: Georgia Class of 2017 RB Kurt Taylor Talks Commitment to Michigan Wolverines

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The third time was the charm for Michigan and head coach Jim Harbaugh. On Friday, Class of 2017 running back Kurt Taylor verbally committed on his third visit to Ann Arbor.

Taylor is freight train coming out of the backfield for Newton High School in Covington, Georgia. The 5’9”, 200 pound, athlete showed big flashes of his immense talent as a sophomore rushing for over 800 yards as a backup for the Rams. Now the featured back for the 6-1 Rams, Taylor has placed himself among the top running backs in the 2017 recruiting class having rushed for 729 yards on 109 carries with 10 touchdowns in just seven games. Showing his versatility as an every down back, he has caught seven passes for 94 yards.

College recruiters are just starting to discover Taylor. To date he has 15 scholarship offers from schools like Cincinnati, Kentucky, UMass, UNLV, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado State, and Rutgers. The Power Five Conference schools playing a wait-and-see game with Taylor have now missed out. Schools like Notre Dame, UCLA, Auburn, Florida, Miami, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and in-state powers Georgia Tech and Georgia have all shown interest but did not step up to the table with an offer… Michigan did.

Taylor committed to Coach Harbaugh on Friday becoming the first verbal commitment of the Wolverines’ 2017 recruiting class. Shortly after Taylor’s commitment to the Wolverines, I was able to catch him for a quick interview about his commitment to Big Blue.

Interview

Kurt, you arrived this morning and are already committed?

“Yes sir. We drove 10 hours from Georgia.”

What all have you been doing since you got on campus today?

“It’s been great and exciting. We toured a little bit more of the campus and talked to Coach Harbaugh. It’s been great.”

How did the commitment take place?

“We were sitting in Coach Harbaugh’s office, and we were talking about some stuff. I told him that I’m committed and blessed for the opportunity.”

Did you know before driving 10 hours to the campus today that you were going to commit today?

“That was the plan.”

I bet after a 10 hour drive.

(Laughs) “Yes!”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was excited but I wasn’t nervous. Just getting it over, I feel better now.”

When you committed to Coach Harbaugh, what was his reaction?

“He was happy and said, “Welcome to the Big House.” He said I’m the only 2017 recruit that has committed.”

Are you closing off recruiting to all other schools?

“After this, yes.”

What are some of the things that drew you to commit to Michigan?

“I like everything. The tradition, the history of the school, and the way Coach Harbaugh is bringing it all back – I want to be a part of that. I love everything about it. I think I’ll fit best in this program.”

Michigan is playing Michigan State tomorrow, are you excited for the game?

“Yes, sir. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to watching the game with a packed house. I’m ready to see this game.”

Kurt, again, congratulations on your commitment to Michigan today. Enjoy the game tomorrow.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Taylor family; Kurt Taylor with Coach Harbaugh.