New suitors for Taylor
Hobbs (N.M.) High School forward Jeff Taylor wasn't visible on the summer travel circuit, but a number of western schools tried to get his signature during the fall signing period. Since he kept his options open and is putting up monster numbers during his senior season, a new crop of schools are in pursuit.
Vanderbilt, who has offered, recently hosted Taylor on an official visit while Marquette, Kentucky, Arizona and UCLA have also entered the picture. Schools from the first round of his recruitment who are still in contention are Gonzaga, UNLV, Texas and Texas A&M.
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Taylor, however, is poised to take his team on a playoff run for a potential state championship and is not thinking recruiting at the moment.
"I want to finish the season strong and hopefully get a state championship," said Taylor. "I'll think about where I want to go to school after the season. I have one official visit left, so I need to use it wisely."
Hobbs High School is presently sitting at No. 2 in the state with its only two losses occurring while Taylor was out with an ankle injury. In his absence, Hobbs was without 31 points and 15 rebounds per game.
A bouncy athlete with a strong motor, Taylor's versatility is perhaps his greatest asset.
"For my high school I play everything," he said. "If I grab the rebound I bring it up. If the other team has a player with size, I guard him. I play the one and two for the (Sweden) National team, but I love to rebound."