Miami-Ohio cornerback transferring to Auburn
AUBURN, Ala. | Marshall Taylor will play his senior season at Auburn, the Miami-Ohio grad-transfer cornerback announced Sunday.
Taylor, who started the past 22 games for the Redhawks, made his decision following an official visit to Auburn.
“I’m very excited,” Taylor said. “It was a great visit. They are all about family at Auburn and I am big on family.”
Several members of Taylor’s family, including his mother, Rosie Howard, drove to Auburn from their home near Cordele, Ga. Taylor was a standout at Crisp County before signing with Miami-Ohio.
“Auburn showed everyone a really good time,” Taylor said. “My family loved it and that made me feel at home. Auburn showed us so much hospitality. It just felt so right at Auburn. They showed me everything I wanted to see and I felt like they were all honest and genuine with us.”
Taylor’s primary recruiter is Auburn's new secondary coach Wesley McGriff. The two already were familiar with one another before the weekend. McGriff, whose coaching stops before Auburn included the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and Vanderbilt, recruited Taylor out of high school.
“The familiarity I had with Coach McGriff was a big factor,” Taylor said. “He just came from the Saints so it’s obvious he knows what to look for and what other NFL scouts are looking for. He can get me prepared for the next level.”
Taylor is scheduled to graduate from Miami-Ohio in May and has one year of eligibility remaining. He visited Louisville last weekend and had visits set to Michigan State on April 9 and Florida on April 16.
“Louisville was awesome, but Auburn just felt like home,” Taylor said. “I’m not taking anymore visits. I’m done. I’m coming to Auburn to play corner or nickel or wherever they need me. They didn’t guarantee me a starting spot. I know I have to come in and earn it and that’s what I will work to do.”
Illinois linebacker T.J. Neal also plans to transfer to Auburn. Former cornerback Blake Countess transferred from Michigan to Auburn a year ago.
“I saw (Countess) come in and not only play, but win the team’s defensive MVP,” Taylor said. "I know they aren't afraid to play transfers."
Taylor, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds, will graduate with a degree in sports management and a minor in Geratology.
“I’m ready to get to Auburn,” Taylor said. “I can compete for an SEC championship and a national championship at Auburn. Coach (Gus) Malzahn has been to two national championships in the last five years and I believe in what he is doing. The d-line is going to be great this year and a great d-line always helps a DB. It's a win-win.
“I’m excited about it. I’m ready to be an Auburn Tiger.”
