Mean Green

Dallas Hillcrest quarterback Willie Taylor visited North Texas when the Mean Green held its junior day a few weeks ago and jumped at the chance to make Denton his home beginning in the fall of 2008 this week.

Taylor said Tuesday that he was offered a scholarship by the Mean Green's coaching staff on Monday and quickly accepted an opportunity to play for head coach Todd Dodge.

Taylor's commitment is the first UNT has received for 2008 and marks a dramatic departure from the philosophy the Mean Green followed in the past. UNT didn't sign players early under former coach Darrell Dickey, who found the majority of his players late in the recruiting process.

Taylor's commitment is a sign that UNT intends to join the crowd and compete for players earlier in the recruiting process. Dickey found some gems late along the way, but one always got the feeling that UNT was missing out while other programs snatched some of the best players out of the Dallas area early on.

Only time will tell, but landing Taylor appears to be a big win for Dodge and his staff. Taylor has grown to 6-0, 165 and was a dynamic performer last season for Hillcrest at quarterback. Tulsa had offered Taylor a scholarship and Utah appeared as if it would offer later in the recruiting process.

Taylor will move to the slot at UNT, which continues to load up on wide receivers under Dodge. The Mean Green signed six wide outs in its last recruiting class alone.

Taylor played for new Mean Green wide receivers coach Clayton George at Hillcrest. Taylor said his relationship with George and the comfort level he found at UNT during his short time at the Mean Green's junior day were factors in his decision to attend UNT.

For more on Taylor, including comments from his new high school head coach Andy Todd, see tomorrow's edition of the Denton Record-Chronicle or check our Web site www.dentonrc.com late tonight.