Recruiting: Tennessee OL Judd Taylor on board with Army

Judd Taylor can remember always having an interest in the military at a young age.

Taylor’s interest increased as the years passed. The Carter (Tenn.) offensive lineman wanted to represent something bigger than himself and serve the country.

Taylor will have that opportunity following his commitment to Army Friday.

“In my opinion, there isn’t another school that competes with West Point,” said Taylor, who is 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds.

Taylor felt wanted by Army from the start when slotbacks coach Dane Romero stopped by Carter High school and the two spoke for close to an hour. Romero followed with Taylor’s first offer in May. His Knight on the Hudson visit earlier this month sealed Taylor’s decision.

“That was probably the moment that it (Army) was home,” Taylor said. “The campus is amazing and meeting the rest of the staff was amazing and just learning so much about the program.

“Big-picture wise, the staff are great people and I think that West Point is going to develop myself in the best way possible.”

Taylor said talking to Army kicker Charlie Barnett during the visit was “super helpful. He and his family asked Barnett questions about the football team and academy. The all-state tackle was receiving interest from Liberty, Marshall, Elon and Wofford. Taylor could project as a guard at the next level for the Black Knights.

“I’d make whatever position they need me work,” Taylor said. “Scheme-wise, my school (Carter) runs a lot of RPOs (run-pass option plays) with our Air Raid offense so I definitely think it’ll be a little different than I’m used to.”