Interview: Starting Victor Valley JUCO QB Sam Taylor Prepping for Big Sophomore Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Every step along the way in life presents a new challenge to overcome and adapt to going forward. The game of football mirrors life with each level up presenting new obstacles to surpass with a learning opportunity. The good ones gain the knowledge succeeding by pressing on while the rest wilt away unable to take on the challenge. Victor Valley College quarterback Sam Taylor has shown a repeated pattern of attacking obstacles coming out on top in the end. The 2017 season looks no different.
The learning curve for Taylor began all the way back in 2013 helping a Silverado High School squad improve from 4-7 the year before to 6-5 during his first season starting at the varsity level. The then- junior passed for over 1,600 yards with 16 touchdowns setting a winning tone for the Hawks. Taylor’s senior season brought a Desert Sky Conference title guiding the Hawks to an 8-4 season, a first in years for the Victorville area squad. The senior had a big season passing for 2,395 with 30 scores while adding a dual-threat dimension to his game covering another 413 yards with four more scores posted.
After graduation, Taylor took an opportunity with Victor Valley College redshirting in 2015 gaining better knowledge of the game. The year on the sidelines, in the weight room, and on the practice field paid off for the 6-1, 170 pound, gunslinger earning a starting position in 2016. Taylor led the American Mountain Conference in passing with 1,608 yards and 18 touchdowns.
VVC finished the year on a winning note at 6-5 in 2016. Much like how Silverado High School took some lumps in 2013 but finished with a winning mark at 6-5, Taylor is set for a breakout sophomore season capable of taking his team to new heights in 2017.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising California junior college talent covering his freshman season, off-season workouts, and an overview on his recruitment thus far.
Interview
How did your senior season of high school ball go?
“My senior year went well. I think we finished 8-4 and won the Desert Sky League for first time in years. I made All-Area. We lost in second round to Oak Hill (Hesperia). That was before they changed the rules of the playoffs.”
You redshirted in 2015, how did you spend that season improving your overall game?
“I got to see what the JUCO level was about. I got up to par, hit the weight room, and tried to advance my game overall.”
What has been the toughest part of the transition from high school football to JUCO football for you?
“I’d say everyone is bigger, stronger, and faster, especially at the JUCO level. Some players are bounce back guys from D-I programs. They have been to that level already. There is some great competition at the junior college level.”
Which game at the JUCO level has been your worst one?
“I’d say my worst game was probably against Citrus.”
How did that frustrating experience help you grow and improve as a quarterback?
“I’d say that game opened my eyes up. It tested my love for the game. I got benched in that game. It was a tough season for me, but it was a good learning experience. It opened my eyes to know just how much I love football no matter what position I am put in.”
What are your strengths on the field as a quarterback?
“My strengths are with my pre-snap abilities. I know where I am going with the ball. I can see my mismatches. I take what the defense gives me and work to the strength of our offense.”
What is the focus of your off-season workouts?
“I can always grow with the game mentally. That is where you win or lose the game. During the off-season you are putting in the work, there is no way around it. The focus is to get bigger, faster, and stronger and get ready for next season. I know what it takes now after a season of college ball. I’m ready.”
What type of quarterback were you in high school?
“In high school I was a dual-threat. The focus was getting the ball out quick.”
What separates you from other dual-threat quarterbacks?
“I’d say I am the smartest guy on the field at all times. I don’t have the attributes of other quarterbacks. I’m not 6-6 with the strongest arm ever, but I’m the smartest guy you will meet as a quarterback.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Initially, when the season ended my old QB coach wanted me to go to Alabama A&M. They signed another guy. I had some NAIA schools offer. Central Missouri has offered a partial. Before I started to play JUCO ball Oklahoma Baptist was after me.”
Have you visited any schools yet or do you have any visits planned?
“I don’t have any visits planned but I just got back from Avila and I have visited Central Missouri.”
How did the visits to Avila and Central Missouri go for you?
“The coaches were very welcoming at both schools. Central Missouri is a very established school. The head coach there used to be at UCLA. The schools were polar opposites. Avila was smaller while Central Missouri was bigger. I was impressed with both schools. Both schools had great coaches on their staffs.”
What is your cumulative GPA at VVC?
“3.4.”
You are an academic qualifier, right?
“Yes.”
When do you graduate from VVC?
“I’m planning on graduating this summer. I’m taking 16 hours this semester. I’ll have six more to take this summer and I will be done.”
What do you want to major in once you go to a four-year college?
“I want to major in business but I have a lot of interest in computers.”
What are you looking for in a four-year school and program?
“Above all academics. Football is a huge part of where I will go but academics is most important. If I can find the perfect mix of the two that would be the perfect place for me.”
Sam, thanks for your time today and good luck with your spring practices at VVC.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: VVdailypress.com; No. 15 Sam Taylor rolls out.
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 15 Sam Taylor finds running room.