The Illinois State football team welcomed a new member to the squad Monday night as defensive lineman Robert Taylor took part in the evening practice.
Taylor, a native of Oak Creek, Wis., was originally recruited by the Redbird coaching staff in 2003 and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Head coach Denver Johnson was pleased to add Taylor to the lineup and sees him having great success as a Redbird.
He looked good out there, Johnson said about Taylors first practice in shoulder pads. Hes a very talented individual, but hes obviously not in great shape. He is a gifted individual and you can tell that he has got some innate skills and abilities that ought to give him a chance to be a good player for us.
A 6-5, 300 pound lineman, Taylor was a Parade All-American during his senior year at Oak Creek High School, as well as an all-state honorable mention selection. He also played in the East vs. West National All-Star Game. After high school, Taylor played two years at Iowa Central Community College.
Johnson feels that Taylor can step in and contribute to the Redbirds right from the start.
Its interesting to see him out there, Johnson said. He hasnt played in a year and hes not in cardiovascular shape, but he has some tools. He has a learning curve and needs to work himself into the kind of condition that he can compete in ball games. But we still have some time and we are hoping that by the time we get to the meat of our schedule that we have him in shape and playing pretty good.
