Washington High School senior C.J. Taylor had one of the biggest days in his life Wednesday when he signed a letter of intent to attend Thomas More College where he will continue his education and his football career.
Taylor was joined by his family, mom and dad Chris and Christina, his sisters Samantha and Breanna, his high school coach Corey Dye, Washington High School Athletic Director Jon Creamer, coach Terry Feick and strength and conditioning coach Mark Bihl for the signing ceremony held in the lobby of the high school.
Taylor was the quarterback of the Blue Lion football team and also played on the Blue Lion basketball team.
Taylor was asked why he chose Thomas More.
“It was a really long process,” Taylor said. “I’ve been to many colleges. I looked at Marietta, Muskingum, Otterbein; I just felt Thomas More fit me the best. I just liked the campus.
“It’s about 90 minutes from here, so, I’m close to home,” Taylor said.
Where will fit into the scheme of things at Thomas More?
“I want to be a quarterback,” Taylor said. “That’s what I’m going to try to be down there. Hopefully, I can.”
If he would have to play defense, instead, Taylor can play cornerback or safety, he said.
“I want to thank my parents, for just taking me to all the football camps and putting up with me,” Taylor said. “Coach Dye, for teaching me the ropes; Coach Feick, for showing me how to be a quarterback. In the eighth grade, I was not a quarterback. My freshman year came along and (Feick) showed me the ropes of being a quarterback and this is where it’s led me.
“I want to thank Coach Bihl for the workouts he put me through,” Taylor said. “He helped me get stronger and quicker.”
Taylor was asked about what courses of study he might pursue in college.
“Right now, I’m really not sure,” Taylor said. “I’m more likely looking into sports business management. I feel like that will suit me the best. It’s going to be around sports. I’d like to become a sports agent one day. I can picture me doing that.”
Thomas More has a quarterback now who will be a junior in the fall.
Taylor knows he has a lot of hard work ahead of him, even as a potential back-up starting out.
“I have to work hard in order to be a back-up,” Taylor said. “They have more players coming in and I’m not sure if they recruited any other quarterbacks. All I know is I will work harder and try my best for next year. I went down and watched him and he’s pretty good. I know I will have to put in a lot of work in order to play my freshman year and show I’m worthy of a back-up spot, or even a starting spot.”
Corey Dye spoke about Taylor and his prospects at Thomas More.
“C.J. is a terrific young man,” Dye said. “He’s a program player. He’s excelled, not only in football, but in basketball, as well. He was an important part of this year’s basketball team.
“He’s a great athlete,” Dye said. “Most importantly, he’s one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever coached. He has a great attitude. He always did what we asked him to do and he always put the team first.
“The first thing it takes to play at that level is, you have to have a love for the sport,” Dye said. “C.J., when it comes to football, he absolutely loves it. I could foresee him being a football coach one day.
“He’s exactly what you want every one of your kids to be like,” Dye said. “I have no doubt he’s going to have a successful career at Thomas More. They’re very lucky to have such a wonderful kid.
“He’s going to get a great education and have a great experience,” Dye said. “Those two things are what will make him a successful young man.”
Thomas More College is located in Crestview Hills in northern Kentucky, not far from the I-71/I-275 exchange. Their school colors are Blue and White and their nickname is Saints.
