UCF offers fast-rising DE
Football is in Taylor Upshaw's blood, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise he's having so much success in his first season playing the sport.
The son of former NFL player Regan Upshaw, the Class of 2018 defensive end is just a handful of games into his organized football career at Bradenton's Braden River High School. He had focused on basketball and other sports throughout his middle school and early high school years, but it's obvious already he has big potential on the gridiron.
Schools have quickly taken notice of the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder. USF offered a couple weeks ago. UCF followed suit on Wednesday night, just a few days after Upshaw attended the Maryland game.
Running backs coach Ryan Held, who recruits the Tampa Bay area, let Upshaw know about the offer.
"They said they liked my get off and they said it's not common for someone my size to get off the ball like that," Upshaw said. "And even though I've only played four games, they said I possess what it takes to play at the next level."
During the pregame, Upshaw was seen being greeted on the sideline by several UCF coaches, including defensive coordinator Erik Chinander and defensive line coach Mike Dawson.
Upshaw said he thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience. The Knights' defense put up a valiant effort in a double-overtime loss to Maryland.
"It was excellent," Upshaw said. "The show out at the game was great! The coaches were awesome. And the football team put up a hell of a fight."
Upshaw's father played college football at California and then nine seasons in the NFL, the first four in Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers selected him No. 12 overall in the 1996 NFL Draft. Upshaw later spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins and New York Giants.
Still early in the recruiting process, the younger Upshaw says he'll take his time making a decision.
"I wouldn't say I have a favorite," he said. "Every school has its pros and cons so for me right now it's all about choosing the best fit."
