PALM BEACH GARDENS – It has been a long and challenging road to the Division 1 college football level for Tre’Von Taylor.
The Dwyer 2021 alum has had to deal with questions over the past few years about his height and weight, which is now at 6-foot, 185 pounds.
For many college coaches, the height/weight conundrum is the primary determinant on whether or not a college prospect would earn a scholarship offer. Fair or unfair, that is just how it goes.
Regardless of all that, Taylor overcame a series of detractors and obstacles to earn Division 1 (FCS) offers from Bryant and Rhode Island this past spring.
Coming down to those two schools, the quarterback eventually made a clear decision.
Taylor chose Bryant over Rhode Island on the night of Sunday, June 10.
“They’re giving me a shot, and that’s all I needed,” Taylor said. “The head coach [Chris Merritt] stays in contact with me and I felt welcomed when I visited Bryant.”
Taylor’s unofficial visit to Bryant was from April 20 to April 21.
“The indoor field,” Taylor said. “You know it’s cold up there and I’m from Florida, so I need an indoor field. Everyone seems cool also.”
Taylor, who was with Dwyer for three seasons and Palm Beach Lakes for one season, played high school football at quarterback under three distinguished head coaches: Jack Daniels (2017 and 2018; Dwyer), Al Shipman (2019; Palm Beach Lakes), and McKinley Rolle (2020)
Taylor led Palm Beach Lakes to an historic undefeated regular season (9-0), while helping the program earn the Lou Groza Team of the Year honor. He duplicated that feat at Dwyer in 2020 (4-0 undefeated regular season; Lou Groza Team of the Year).
Taylor went on to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors in his senior season at Dwyer as well.
In essence, Bryant is getting a proven winner at the quarterback position.
The FCS school is also getting an even greater person, one who willing to take on any challenge to realize a dream.
Taylor spoke on it.
“Honestly, all I needed was one,” Taylor said. “Everybody gets all these offers and can only go to one school. It seems like you can go to the league (NFL) from anywhere. You just have to level up and put up numbers.”
Taylor delved further into how he did whatever it took to play for a Division 1 college.
“I prayed hard and worked when people doubted I was going to college,” Taylor said. “I sat out a whole year and still got blessed with this opportunity. If it’s meant, it’ll come. But just work and definitely be patient. Block out the negativity and pray.”
Taylor’s trainer, Deandre Morgan, will co-sign on that.
“He has the heart of a lion and his work ethic is off the charts,” Morgan said of Taylor. “His overall strength from beginning to end is night and day. He’s bigger, stronger, and faster with better technique.”
Taylor is now set to leave for Bryant in the beginning of August. We will see how it all unfolds for our area’s ultimate success story over the next several years ahead.
