With one opening remaining in Syracuse's 2015 recruiting class, Orange fans wondered who'd fill that spot. There was a hint based on yesterday's offer to JUCO linebacker Ted Taylor. And now it's confirmed. Taylor officially committed to Syracuse this afternoon:
Welcome @t_taylor_7 to the Syracuse LB Core!
— Coach Lea (@Coach_Lea) February 17, 2015
Taylor was thought to be waiting for spring practice to commit, but apparently something changed over night. The West Palm Beach, Fla. product was also offered by Kansas and FCS school Bethune-Cookman. Taylor has been playing for Dodge City Community College these past two seasons, within the state of Kansas's vibrant JUCO system. He's the third linebacker in the 2015 class, joining Shyheim Cullen and Troy Henderson, who both committed back on National Signing Day.
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According to Taylor, who spoke with Syracuse.com's Stephen Bailey, all he needed to do in order to make this decision was sleep on it:
"I slept on it last night just thinking about it, and this morning I decided it was the right decision for me. I was just thinking about everything that I've been through, and I feel like they really wanted me."
Based on conversations between Syracuse linebackers coach Clark Lea, Taylor and Dodge City coach Gary Thomas, everyone's of the opinion that he'll be able to address some needs at the strong-side linebacker spot.
"My mindset going in is just doing what I've got to do to make a difference on the defense. (Lea) feels like I can come in and join the rotation and that I'll be a good fit for what they're looking for."
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As the team starts up spring practice, we'll start to see the linebacker position -- and entire defense, really -- start to shake out amidst a lot of turnover. Taylor has two years left to play, which he can accomplish over the course of the next three seasons.
Welcome, Ted! And great to see this class complete.