“My name is Trae Taylor. I’m a Sophomore at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein IL. (I’ve) Been playing QB since I was 6 years old. My QB Coaches are Donovan Dooley and Steve Wilson. (I was) Just was Ranked a 4 star, the 33rd best player in the country and 6th QB by Rivals”
“What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced along the way to where you are now?”
“I think the biggest challenge I faced was living the Midwest. It’s hard to do football year around like in California, Florida, and Texas. I mean my dad and I would be out in snow working so we don’t get behind. I’m lucky my dad is a football junkie because he would find ways to keep me working.
A special memory for me is watching my dad play. Seeing him compete and how he approached the game helped me to fall in love with the game. I mean in 4th grade he started taking me to college campuses and we sneak into stadiums just so I could see them.”
“Who is your greatest inspiration?“
My parents are by far my greatest inspiration. They sacrifice so much to make sure I get everything I need or want. I have seen my mom sit in horrible weather, seen my dad not sleep for a whole day to get me from one camp to another. How they attack life is how I attack football.
My support group is unmatched. Friends, family, and coaches the people who really support me good and bad are very special people
“How did you develop a love for football?”
I don’t know really. I think I got to be physical and didn’t get in trouble for it.
I came home to a crib full of footballs. My Dad was an All-American Tailback at Eastern Illinois. So I was born into a football family.
“Who was there for you during the tough transition from Middle School to High School ball?
Outside my parents. Donovan Dooley and Steve Wilson. Gary and Dom Swanson (strength Coach) Marcus (Speed Coach) Sam (Yoga) Mrs Knipe (Tutor) and Mrs Phoenix a teacher. Last Coach McKie my head coach… told you my support group is unmatched
“What’s your favorite game you’ve ever played?”
I actually think I just had that. Came back 10 down in the 4th quarter. Got the ball back with 2:34 left no timeouts had to drive 74 yards. Drove down through 25 yard TD with 24 sec left. Won by 3. (Remember) Lessons your coaches have taught you. Details matter and everything I do needs to be done with a purpose
“What are your thoughts on your future?
I’m excited for my future. I have so many opportunities and my dad has always said: he wants me to pick my school. Not have a school pick me with no options. So I have been blessed
“What was it like receiving an offer from Michigan?“
I received my offer from Michigan in 8th grade. It means the world to me, as Michigan was one of those schools my dad took me back when I was in 4th grade. That Block M matters
“What type of player do you want to be in college?”
“I want to be a great leader and a player my teammates can look at and say YEAH WE HAVE TRAE TAYLOR YOU DONT. So we can win any game we are in. I’m gonna get my masters, Majoring in business with a minor in broadcasting and lead my team to a national championship. Then be a 1st round draft pick
I 100% see myself in the NFL”