Photo by Charles A. Smith\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Cameron Adams
\n<\/b>Sports Editor\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

As the 2022-23 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football season came to an end, Jackson State University\u2019s \u201cPrime\u201d era\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With everyone waiting to see Jackson State\u2019s next move, the former head coach shared his opinion on who deserves the next call up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy recommendation goes to T.C.,\u201d Sanders stated after his resignation announcement. \u201cThey know how I feel about T.C\u2026 I would not be here if it weren\u2019t for this man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor was originally the team\u2019s wide receiver coach, where he led multiple receivers who dominated the SWAC, such as senior receiver Shane Hooks and graduate student Dallas Daniels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Taylor served as the wide receiver coach for Jackson State, he was a historic member of the Jackson State football team.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor racked up 84 receptions for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns breaking the school\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His time on the field was cut short due to injuries, but that didn\u2019t stop him from continuing his passion for football.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s remarkable knowledge on the offensive end would lead him to many other coaching opportunities, but now T.C. faces a completely new challenge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor is more than aware of the weight put on his shoulders, and doesn’t plan to slow down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re going to continue to dominate,\u201d Coach Taylor said. \u201cWe’re going to continue to bring the best players in here.\u00a0 Because that’s what it’s all about\u2026 No step back man.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor has immediately begun to fulfill his promises. Since becoming head coach, he has signed 14 new players to Thee I Love football program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019veon Wilkerson, the 5\u20199 sophomore running back from Chicago, Ill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wilkerson announced his return to the team on Christmas Eve, weeks after Coach Taylor\u2019s announcement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe gave [Tiger] fans a little Christmas present,\u201d Wilkerson said. \u201cNow it\u2019s time to go to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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