NFL Legacy DB Drawn to Gators: 'They're Putting People in the League'

Photo: Ivan Taylor; Credit: Conner Clarke

While the Florida Gators coaching staff is locked in and focused on securing a top class for the 2024 cycle, they have wasted little time offering some of the nation’s elite for the 2025 class. 

One of those players is West Orange (Fla.) CB Ivan Taylor. Taylor is the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers CB and two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor.

The Gators extended an offer to Taylor in Dec. 2022 and have continued to stay in contact with the talented defensive back as much as one can for a prospect in the class of 2025, with off-field staffers currently leading the conversation. That communication certainly has Florida in the mix for Taylor who said he could see himself playing in Gainesville. 

“I would definitely go to Florida. It seems like a very good program, you know, it’s like an hour and half or two hours away, not too long. And it’s just a beautiful program," Taylor told All Gators. "I feel like they’re definitely going to start growing this year and next year and I feel like their future programs are gonna be very strong. I mean they’re putting people in the league, and they’ve kept doing that.”

While Florida is one school that has made Taylor feel like he’s wanted, he mentioned another three programs in particular that are currently standing out, as well: Southern California, Penn State and Florida State.

“I’d definitely say the one that I’m mostly talking to is USC, they’re showing a lot of love," Taylor shared. "Penn State is showing a lot of love and FSU is showing a lot of love. All three of them are very nice schools, they’re welcoming me and making me feel comfortable. 

"Some coaches, they kind of fake it 'till you make it, but I feel like these programs are bringing me in like family. I just gotta keep my head down and keep grinding, don’t let anything get to me and keep proving myself.”

Now that the spring visit period has opened up Taylor said he already has one visit locked in and another that he knows he wants to schedule. 

“I’m going to FSU on March 11, and I really want to go check out USC.”

Taylor has obviously received interest from all over the country with offers coming in from Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss and others to go along with the programs already mentioned. Because of the nationwide intrigue, Taylor is keeping an open mind about where he may choose to play college ball and not locking himself into one part of the country.

“I’m [keeping] everything open. It doesn’t matter where I go, as long as I play football and I feel like I develop very well it doesn’t matter to me," Taylor stated.

Having a former NFL athlete as a parent and guide can prove beneficial for young recruits navigating the recruiting process and that is no different here. Taylor has been able to lean on his parents to this point in his recruitment, and it has helped him remain focused and humble with an abundance of accolades and recruitment hype surely heading his way.

“Both my dad and my mom have been helping me. My dad definitely helps with working out and staying focused. My mom helps me stay focused in school, not letting distractions get to you and I’m not really into social media like that," Taylor said. "I just kind of keep my head down, don’t post anything and just grind.” 

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.

Get your Gators football, basketball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.