Tony Taylor III of The Wesleyan School (Peachtree Corners, Ga), signed with the United States Naval Academy on Wednesday. Look inside for a photo and quotes from Taylor.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound offensive lineman committed to Navy a sports radio program on his birthday, Friday, August 15th, 2014.
“I believe that the U.S. Naval Academy gives me the best opportunity to serve my country, first and foremost. It also provides me with a chance to study Mechanical Engineering, the major I’d like to pursue. I love the football program. I thinks it’s unsung in many ways. People tend to look over it, but if you look at the facts, they win, and I want to be a part of it.”
When Taylor went to make his commitment, he listed his five finalists as Air Force, Bucknell, Cincinnati, Navy, and Virginia Tech.
“Without mentioning names of any other schools, to be respectful, there were several programs pushing for me to do an official visit prior to Signing Day. I told them all that I am 100-percent committed to Navy! I do not know yet know the final word (on admission), but I want to go direct. It is very important to me to do that. I have the grades and test scores and I was recently nominated by Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson.”
Taylor served as co-captain this year for Wesleyan football. He anchored both the offensive and defensive lines to lead his team to the Class AA state playoffs. On defense, Taylor made 36 total tackles (12 solo and five for loss). For offense, he recorded 36 pancake blocks with 88-percent blocking grade and allowed zero sacks. He was recognized as first team All-Region 6 AA first team (offensive lineman), All-County first team (offense lineman), Gwinnett Touchdown Club Scholar Athlete, Gwinnett Gridiron Top 50 players Class of 2015, a NUC All-American who was invited to play in NUC Senior Bowl.
In October of 2014, Taylor said he was promoted to the rank of Lead Petty Officer for the 233rd Battalion of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets. He has completed all class work to be eligible for advancement to the top position of Chief Petty Officer by the month of February. The son of Anthony and Kaaryn Taylor, and is brother to two siblings, Andrew and Ann.
Taylor informed GoMids.com on National Signing Day that he will be going direct to the Naval Academy.