Name: Kareem Taylor
School: Western Carolina University
Position: LB/S
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 217
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Main goal of mine was to change the culture at Western. I actually did a great job of that on the back end of the season.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I feel like I defiantly took advantage of my last year addressing whatever doubt there was about my ability to play at the next level. Defiantly showed a lot of versatility this year taking on more responsibility in the coverage game.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates will tell you I’m a trustworthy man of action. I come out to work everyday constantly challenging and pushing the guys around me mentally and physically.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m studying film, I focus in on the details other guys might not pay much attention to, but I’m still big in my first step, hand placement, and being disciplined with my eyes.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My ability to just be a smart football player, not putting my team in bad positions and my play making ability. I think I play the game at a different speed than others.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I plan on training at U48 sports performance in Atlanta, GA with Manny Rodriguez. I’ve been following him for a few years now and he’s done a great job every year at getting guys prepared mentally and physically for the biggest time of our lives.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I would say my biggest strength is the ability to learn to follow lead. I just believe in growing everyday doing things the right way are still important to me on and off the field. I defiantly feel like I’m going to bring great energy and passion the game, play making ability, and just my ability to be coachable and adjust to whatever position they may play me at, I think are some of the biggest things I bring to a team.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch would just be despite what the critics say, “ I’m undersized or not athletic enough to play at the next level.” My pitch is just to watch my film, I feel like my tape speaks for itself. I didn’t play at the highest level of CFB, but I’ve played at a high level all 4 years of my college eligibility. I’ve played in three different conferences where I played at an high level in all of them. I’ve played both in and out of the box showing my ability to versatile, coachable, and productive day in and day out.