Swamp Fox lineman Aaron Taylor signs with Presbyterian College

Marion Swamp Fox offensive lineman Aaron Taylor will be joining the Blue Hose football team this fall after signing a letter of intent to play at Presbyterian College this past Thusday. “I’m excited, this is huge for me, starting off when I was young it was always baseball, then as the years went on as I got stronger football became my thing and I’m excited about it, Taylor said.

Taylor was joined by his parents Andy and Deborah Taylor, principal, coaching staff and baseball teammates during the signing at Marion High School. Thanks to some recruiting assistance from defensive coach John Washington, Taylor will be competeing for early playing time on special teams at the long snapper position. He feels the transition shouldn’t be too difficult. “I think he’s going to do well, he’s a hard worker and I expect great things from him,” coach Washington said.

With seven years of experience playing football, four on the varsity level, Taylor said it was a huge opportunity to play for coach Bobby Bently on the next level. The Blue Hose squad posted a 6-5 record in the Big South Conference this past season.

Taylor brings intensity along with intellegence to the field, and he is a strong player physically with good balance blocking. He has also been a four year player for the Foxes varsity baseball team, evolving into a slugger at first base. With so many years focused on the sport of baseball, Taylor said he is committed to improving on the football field, however he would keep an open mind to walking on to the baseball squad.

The Foxes baseball team reached the playoffs for the first time in 12 years this season, another accomplishment Taylor can be proud of.

His mother is proud that her son will go to a school that she feels confident in, regarding academic credibility, and feels the enviroment would be a good fit. Taylor has already been excepted to the school’s civil engineering program. “It’s one of the top schools in the state in regards to academics, it’s going to be tough I just have to work hard,” the honor student said. Taylor's other activities include the Beta Club, Interact Club, along with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “This is what I prayed for, an academic school in a smaller environment where you can feel you’re part of something. The prefessors there know all the kids by name and have all kinds of stuff to help you grow,” Deborah Taylor said.

Taylor said his dad Andy has been a major influence in his athletic career, and the experience of the senior season has done wonders for his leadership ability. Retired from the Department of Defense, his dad at one time would travel from Atlanta to catch his son in action. However, right after high school Andy Taylor spent years volunteer his time working with the recreation departments, and encouraging his son during his days playing t-ball. With a love for watching movies, Taylor has more than a few favorite scenes in his athletic career, like helping his varsity baseball team crack into the playoffs, American Legion baseball success, along with All-Region honors in football.