Photo by Charles A. Smith
Cameron Adams
Sports Editor
As the 2022-23 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football season came to an end, Jackson State University’s “Prime” era did as well. On Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022, Jackson State University announced T.C. Taylor as the new head coach of the Tigers football team.
After the Jackson State Tigers football team brought home the 2022-23 SWAC Championship against Southern University, former Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders announced his departure from the organization.
The National Football League Hall of Famer announced his signing as the new head coach of the University of Colorado immediately following the championship game.
Although the news left a bad taste in the mouths of some Tigers fans, the decision was no surprise due to rumors being released weeks prior to the championship match up. After the Tigers concluded their celebration, talks about who would replace Coach Prime were in full effect.
With everyone waiting to see Jackson State’s next move, the former head coach shared his opinion on who deserves the next call up.
“My recommendation goes to T.C.,” Sanders stated after his resignation announcement. “They know how I feel about T.C… I would not be here if it weren’t for this man.”
Taylor was originally the team’s wide receiver coach, where he led multiple receivers who dominated the SWAC, such as senior receiver Shane Hooks and graduate student Dallas Daniels.
Before Taylor served as the wide receiver coach for Jackson State, he was a historic member of the Jackson State football team.
Coach Taylor was a former quarterback and wide receiver for JSU from 1998-2001. During his time on the team, his extraordinary play secured him a spot in Jackson State history.
Taylor racked up 84 receptions for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns breaking the school’s single season record. Coach Taylor would eventually take his talents to the NFL where he played for the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions.
His time on the field was cut short due to injuries, but that didn’t stop him from continuing his passion for football.
After closing his chapter as a football player, the McComb, Miss., native would turn to the coaching role. His first opportunity came from Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss., where he took the job as the wide receiver and quarterback coach from 2005-11.
Taylor’s remarkable knowledge on the offensive end would lead him to many other coaching opportunities, but now T.C. faces a completely new challenge.
Taylor is more than aware of the weight put on his shoulders, and doesn’t plan to slow down.
“We’re going to continue to dominate,” Coach Taylor said. “We’re going to continue to bring the best players in here. Because that’s what it’s all about… No step back man.”
Taylor has immediately begun to fulfill his promises. Since becoming head coach, he has signed 14 new players to Thee I Love football program.
As Jackson State prepares for a new season with a new team, there are still some familiar faces present on the roster. One of those faces includes Sy’veon Wilkerson, the 5’9 sophomore running back from Chicago, Ill.
Wilkerson announced his return to the team on Christmas Eve, weeks after Coach Taylor’s announcement.
“We gave [Tiger] fans a little Christmas present,” Wilkerson said. “Now it’s time to go to work.”
Tigers fans immediately rejoiced at his decision due to his outstanding performance during his 2022-23 season. Wilkerson rushed for more than 1,100 yards and 9 TD in 2022 and was named SWAC Newcomer of the Week four times.
As Coach Taylor and the JSU Football Tigers prepare for a highly anticipated 2023-24 season, the mission is as clear as day: Guard Thee Yard.
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