Predators DB Nick Taylor Proves Validity of Open Tryouts
October 27, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando Predators DB Nick Taylor
(Orlando Predators, Credit: Brion Price)
ORLANDO - October 27, 2015 - Nick Taylor was a former college basketball player who wasn't going to make it as a pro basketball player. So, he became a pro football player instead.
Taylor knew he had athletic ability and attended the Orlando Predators' 2014 open tryout. He took full advantage of the opportunity. By the end of this past summer, Taylor had started nearly every game for the Predators and led the team in pass breakups. And he never played a down of college football.
Now, it's nearly time for the franchise's 2015 open tryout. The event is slated for Nov. 14, with a 9 a.m. start time at Faith Christian Academy.
Orlando head coach Rob Keefe knows what an open tryout can mean to a player. Keefe himself made it onto af2 roster and eventually an AFL roster through the open-tryout process. So, when Taylor came along at last year's event, Keefe and general manager Mike DiJulio knew they had one of those diamonds in the rough that are the very reason teams hold open tryouts.
"Our general manager and our coaching staff realized that's one heck of an athlete," Keefe said. "We can teach him how to play the game of football."
DiJulio said Taylor's speed, coupled with some innate ability and willingness to learn that really made him a special candidate.
"His 40-yard dash was in the low 4.3's, which is exceptional," DiJulio said. "Once we got the measurements on him from the drills and we were able to put him through position-specific drills, that's where he really shined. He started showing he could pick up coaching. He could pick up football techniques. Once we saw that, we knew we were really onto something and he was somebody we could really develop."
And, Taylor surely developed. He started 15 games and broke up 20 passes. He was second on the team in total tackles (86) and interceptions (4). Taylor returned an interception 18 yards for a score in a victory over rival Jacksonville, helping lead the Predators to the 2015 South Division Championship.
Taylor's story is proof positive that there is a chance for talent to shine through.
"This is a realistic chance (to make the team)," Keefe said. "This is something that all Arena Football League teams do, but something that we take very seriously here with the Orlando Predators. Nick ended up starting almost every single game for us at the defensive back position."
DiJulio echoed those sentiments.
"It's a good opportunity," said the general manager. "We get a lot of talented athletes coming out. Really, what we're looking for are guys with those special athletic traits that we can develop. It's definitely a great opportunity for us to get a look at a lot of good football players."
It's also an opportunity for Predators fans to get an early look at the team's next potential breakout star.
"We always have a good crowd," DiJulio said. "We've had over 100 people participating and all of them have their families cheering them on from the sidelines. We definitely encourage any family, any fans who want to see the event to come on out."
Those interested in participation can pre-register at a discounted rate of $50 using a credit card on the team's official website. Online pre-registration ends at noon on Friday, November 13. The cost of the tryout is $75 on the day of the tryout. Only cash, credit card or money order will be accepted and all fees are non-refundable. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. All tryout participants will also receive an official Orlando Predators workout t-shirt. Tryout participants must be 18 years or older and must bring a valid form of I.D. All players are required to sign a waiver and release form on the day of the tryout prior to participation.
The tryout is completely open to the public. Fans are encouraged to attend.
PRE-REGISTER FOR OPEN TRYOUTS NOW: http://www.orlandopredators.com/contact/open-tryouts/
Images from this story
 Orlando Predators DB Nick Taylor (Brion Price) |
Arena Football League Stories from October 27, 2015
- Predators DB Nick Taylor Proves Validity of Open Tryouts - Orlando Predators
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