Former Pitt State standout Darian Taylor earns shot at pro football – KOAM

Taylor has signed to affix the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Practically 4 years after his school profession ended, former Pitt State linebacker Darian Taylor has earned his shot at taking part in skilled soccer.

“I’m hungry. I’m so rattling hungry,” Taylor says.

Taylor has signed with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers – the 2X defending Gray Cup Champions.

“Protection is a really huge a part of the workforce and the tradition right here,” Taylor says of signing with Winnipeg, “I’m excited to be again on the sphere on the whole, however to be with a corporation like this…I really feel like there’s not a greater place I might be.”

Taylor’s journey again to the soccer area has been full of highs and lows.

Following his commencement from Pittsburg State, Taylor says he acquired calls and curiosity from professional groups about bringing him in – however nothing ever panned out.

“Nothing got here out of it after just a few months. It was form of irritating. I used to be dwelling with my mother…which is each school graduate’s dream,” Taylor says with amusing, “It acquired to the purpose the place I needed to transfer out and begin making some cash. I hung up the cleats and thought I did my time within the recreation, and now it’s time to maneuver on to the following factor.”

Taylor has spent the previous few years instructing and training at his alma mater, Manhattan Excessive College in Manhattan, Kansas.

He coached with the freshman workforce in his first 12 months at Manhattan, after which with the varsity squad this previous season.

“Being across the recreation, I noticed the eagerness I’ve for it nonetheless,” Taylor says, “Then I got here again to Pitt State’s residence opener final 12 months, and being in these environments sparked the fireplace inside me. One evening I simply made the choice to get again to the grind and pursue this factor and see the place the chips fall.”

The previous Gorilla standout says he’s spent the final 8 months coaching and understanding every time he can earlier than and after college.

It was a normal free agent camp in Atlanta in April that caught Winnipeg’s eye and earned Taylor the shot he’s been ready for.

“I suppose my numbers acquired out to the folks right here in Winnipeg. I acquired a name and so they mentioned they have been ,” Taylor says, “They referred to as me final Friday and mentioned they have been going to deliver me up, so right here I’m.”

Taylor was a captain and a 2X All-MIAA choice for Pittsburg State. His senior season in 2018 he performed in 10 video games for the Gorillas, racking up 43 tackles, together with 4 tackles-for-loss. He additionally had a compelled fumble that season.

He earned the fame of being one of the crucial bodily, hard-hitting linebackers within the league.

“That’s one of many issues that stood out to Winnipeg about my recreation tape,” Taylor says of his bodily type, “Once I met the top coach right here for the primary time yesterday he mentioned oh you’re that man from Pittsburg State that likes to hit. I mentioned yeah, that’s me.”

“I’m form of excited to have my bell rung that first time and get that feeling once more,” Taylor provides, “It’s been somewhat bit.

Whereas Taylor hasn’t performed in a stay recreation since November 2018, he’s by no means gotten too removed from soccer.

“Being a coach, I by no means stopped studying or caring about soccer. I really feel like my information is as excessive as its been,” Taylor provides, “I’m the healthiest and strongest I’ve ever been. There’s clearly going to be a little bit of a curve coming off no contact for just a few years. However I’m 26 and I’m in my prime. I’m in the perfect form of my life.”

Rookie camp begins as we speak (Wednesday) for Taylor in Winnipeg.

“I’m so giddy. It was laborious to sleep final evening. I had my outfit all laid out and all the pieces as we speak,” Taylor says, “I simply really feel so blessed. There aren’t too many individuals who step away from the sport like I did, make the dedication to come back again after which get this chance.”

It’s a possibility he’s waited years for – and an opportunity to set issues straight in his soccer journey.

“I’ve been out of the sport for 3 years, however I see this as a possibility to do issues proper,” Taylor says, “I really feel like I used to be participant, however I don’t assume I used to be anyplace close to what I might have been if I used to be doing various things on and off the sphere. For me, it’s virtually like redemption. I actually really feel like that is the place I’m purported to be.”

“There have been lots of highs and lows. I stored telling myself that if it’s meant to be, God goes to open up the door and current that chance to me someplace,” Taylor finishes, “Now that I’ve the possibility to get my foot within the door and do what I do, I’m assured that is the place I’m purported to be and what I’m purported to be doing. I’m very excited to do issues in a different way this time round.”

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