Khalid Taylor

Cornerback / Southern Utah

Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)

Khalid Taylor: I’m 5’8, 185pounds and I run a low 4.4.

Ed Hunt: What has happened to your training due to the COVID 19?

Khalid Taylor: It kind of stayed open a little bit and I tweaked my training a bit. I ran up mountains to build up my endurance, so I could make more plays.

Ed Hunt: What are the expectations for Southern Utah team in 2020?

Khalid Taylor: The expectations are to win the Big Sky and it’s a very competitive league and show we’re a true team.

Ed Hunt: What is the biggest strength of this team in 2020?

Khalid Taylor: The biggest strength that we have is we never give up. We have that dog mentality and we’re always going to be the underdog.

Ed Hunt: What schools were interested in you out of high school?

Khalid Taylor: Out of high school, I had a lot of interest. Colorado, USD, Arizona, Arizona State, but the true team that offered me was USD after I tore my meniscus.

Ed Hunt: What made you transfer to Southern Utah?

Khalid Taylor: So, I’ve always been a small town guy, and Cedar City is a small city. The goal is to play in the NFL, so in a city like that I could really focus.

Ed Hunt: What is your biggest sport outside of football?

Khalid Taylor: Track & Field. 

Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in that sport?

Khalid Taylor: Probably when I was in high school, I was in the 4 x 100m relay. We had a bad handoff and then I picked it up and made up ground and won the award in the end.

Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?

Khalid Taylor: I’m very elusive and I’m very aggressive. I have high confidence in the way I play. People think height is a problem with me, but I’m very aggressive and it’s not a problem.

Ed Hunt: What are you working on as far as weaknesses?

Khalid Taylor: The only thing I am working on is honestly not worrying about the next play. I want to live in the moment and understand the game more.

Ed Hunt: What was the highlight of your career?

Khalid Taylor: The highlight of my career was kick returns. I love having the ball in my hands. Getting the offers and the coaches having faith in me.

Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?

Khalid Taylor: My best accomplishment so far is last year getting defensive back of the year.

Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Khalid Taylor: My coaching staff has built so much confidence in me, and I felt like I was the best player on the field. 

Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?

Khalid Taylor: My dad is a Patriots fan. I root for the Patriots, but I’ve always been a Tavon Austin fan so wherever he goes, I go.

Ed Hunt: Who is an NFL player you model your game after of or watch tape on?

Khalid Taylor: I played slot receiver and corner. I would watch Tavon Austin. Now, I play corner in college and I watch Deion Sanders. Everyone knows who Deion Sanders is.

Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a cornerback?

Khalid Taylor: In my own personal opinion, it is his mind. If the play goes bad, he needs to flip the switch and go onto the next play.

Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in the defense?

Khalid Taylor: My key tendency is I look at the QB and if he is behind the center then maybe run. If his hands are up or down. I just really read the quarterback and then I go to the receiver.

Ed Hunt: What players from your team should we keep an eye on for next year whether it be seniors or underclassmen?

Khalid Taylor: I feel like our whole team is good, but Thomas Duckett, Lance Lawson, and AJ Stanley. I feel like they are all going to have a breakout year.

Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?

Khalid Taylor: WR Tyler Vaughns, USC, #21.

Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?

Khalid Taylor: Football is something that builds you up for life. You have to be smart, determined and you want to bump up then you have to be willing to do that new job or whatever.

Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?

Khalid Taylor: What makes me unique is that I beat the odds. When you look at me you think, you can’t beat me. I am the determined type.

Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?

Khalid Taylor: I like to bowl, go fishing, hang out with my friends and I like to crack jokes. I don’t take things too seriously.

Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career?

Khalid Taylor: I want to be a sports broadcaster. I want to be a therapist and help kids and build something from that.

Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?

Khalid Taylor: Loving, humble, underdog, curious, and determined.