Interview: Is 4-Star Taylor Groves the Best All Around 2022 Skill Athlete in Tennessee?
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Taylor Groves might be the ultimate utility skill player in the state of Tennessee after his showing during the 2019 season. The 6-3, 185-pound, sophomore stepped up for East Robertson High School as needed carrying the rock 52 times for 258 yards with three scores and pulled down 49 passes for 739 yards with five more trips into the end zone. He even filled in at QB completing 10 of 14 passes for 89 yards with a touchdown tossed. His athleticism was needed on defense at safety tallying 57 stops, 25 solo, with a tackle for a loss, a fumble recovery, and picked off an eye-popping seven passes. To complete the snap shot of the four-star talent last season, he also took back four punts for 75 yards and seven kicks for 186 which has led to six total offers being dropped for the All-Conference and All-State honoree.
With visits ahead and interest building, Groves and I sat down for another in-depth interview covering all that he has going on with football, recruiting, and basketball.
*Click link for Oct. 31, 2019, RNG interview with Taylor Groves
Interview
Taylor, we last talked towards the end of your sophomore season when you were absolutely tearing it up in all three phases of the game. Looking back, how do you feel the season went overall for you?
“For me, I think I had a great season. We did not reach our team goals of winning a playoff game, but for me, I did all that I could to help us win. I played out of the position at the beginning of the year at quarterback and did all that I could. I am ready to have an even better season next year.”
Your play at safety was amazing ending with seven picks. Obviously, you were reading plays really well, what were some of the other key traits to your game allowing you to be so successful on defense last season?
“I am really fast and long. I can cover space well. Even with a quarterback looking me off on a first look, I am quick enough to get on the second look to pick it off.”
The growth in your game as a receiver shows, from being a deep threat to running seemingly all the routes on the tree. What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game as target in the passing attack?
“My strengths are going for the deep ball and high-pointing the ball. I am adding new routes to my tree. I want to run every route in the tree next year. I am working on my footwork, on my route running and getting up field.”
Are you taking on any new roles in 2020?
“My coach and I have not talked about that yet. After basketball season we will talk and see the different steps we may take this year.”
You touched on this partially a minute ago, what all are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason the weight room has been big for me. I am in there as much as I can be. Footwork is another big aspect of my game along with my route running, and getting bigger. I’m always working on getting faster and getting off press coverage.”
When you talk to college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?
“They like that I am team player and that I will do what it takes to will my team to win. As a receiver, they like how I get off the ball, accelerate, and cut it up field.”
How many offers are you holding now?
“Six.”
Groves’ Offer Sheet: Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Murray State, Tennessee, and Texas A&M
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Schools that are showing interest are Wake Forest, Duke, and Notre Dame.”
Since we last spoke, have you taken any visits?
“Yes, sir. I went to Ole Miss. They offered me a couple of days after my visit. I really enjoyed it up there.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned visits you may take?
“I am going to Kentucky and Tennessee this spring. There are a lot of other schools I want to get to, I will narrow down that list to a couple soon.”
Are you competing at any camps this spring?
“Yes, sir. I want to get to a Notre Dame camp; they contacted my old head coach about me going to one of their camps. I will be at a Rivals and an Under Armour camp as well.”
From our previous talks I know you also play basketball for East Robertson. How has the basketball season gone?
“It went great. We won district and we host our region on Saturday.”
That awesome. How did the season go for you?
“Great. I averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.”
That does not surprise me. Taylor, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you success with the rest of your basketball season and with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Groves family; Taylor Groves at Ole Miss