CLARKSDALE- CCC Football alum and Magnolia, Mississippi, native Davion Taylor has come a long way. He has become an NFL prospect and hopes to live his dream of playing in the league. Taylor braved a unique trail to reach this high point. He hopes to have his name called at the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23, 2020. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound outside linebacker/safety has been fighting through the coronavirus pandemic and gearing up for higher heights.

Taylor overcame the odds to become one of the best playmakers in the country. He started his journey at South Pike High School. There, he was a highly talented basketball player with a strong desire to play football.

To his dismay, he could not play football in high school because of religious beliefs; his mother is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a denomination distinguished by its Saturday observances. Taylor did not participate in sporting activities from Friday night until Sunday morning.

Taylor found it necessary to talk with his mother about playing football and received her blessing. He competed on the track team. He was an all-around athlete that ran the 100- and 200-meter dashes and participated in the long and triple jumps.

"My mother wanted me to chase my dreams, and I'm almost there," said Taylor. "I was given an opportunity, and I took advantage of it."

Coahoma Community College was the next stop for Taylor. Former Coahoma Head Coach Steven Miller called South Pike looking for players to try out for a chance to make the team. In 2016, Taylor answered the call and made the team as a walk-on. He started in the last three games of the season.

"I went to CCC to learn about football. Coach Miller taught me the fundamentals of football," said Taylor. "The junior college experience humbled me, and I developed great friendships."

In 2017, Taylor was second on the team in tackles with 87, including three for losses, and he added three pass breakups and one interception. 24/7Sports.com ranked him as a four-star prospect, the seventh-ranked junior college prospect in the country, and No. 1 at outside linebacker. ESPN also rated him as a four-star prospect.

The University of Colorado was Taylor's final destination in his college football career. In 2018, Taylor played in all 12 games with 10 starts, including 641 defensive snaps with 75 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss including one sack, six more tackles for no gain, added 11 third-down stops, 11 quarterback pressures, both second-most on the team, two pass breakups. He was praised for one quarterback chase-down, and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

"Coach Mel Tucker helped get to the player that I am now," said Taylor. "He brought the physicality out of me. He also gave me the ability to make plays."

In 2019, Taylor played in 12 games with 10 starts, as he was in for 738 total snaps, second-most on the defense. He finished second on the team in tackles with 69, which also included the second-most unassisted stops (56). Taylor also led the team in tackles for loss with nine (for 39 yards in losses; those included one-and-a-half sacks) as well as in tackles for no gain (6), giving him 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage, tied for the lead in passes broken up with seven and was second in third-down stops with 14. He recorded two hurries, a fumble recovery, three-touchdown saves, and caused an interception.

"It was a great experience playing in the PAC-12 Conference," said Taylor. "There was speed everywhere, and I had to compete on another level."

Taylor's intensity and playmaking are impressing NFL scouts. Taylor is confident that he can play in the NFL. He has an excellent appreciation for CCC and Coach Miller. Coach Miller's knowledge of the game made Taylor into an outstanding football player.

"I was able to use all my assets to show my versatility all over the field," said Taylor. "All the little things helped to make big stops on defense."

Taylor greatly appreciates his journey so far but realizes it is only the start of a new chapter. He has enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about football and discover the world.

"I want to get the opportunity to prove myself. It's not about what round you're drafted, but it's about working hard to make it to your second contract," said Taylor. "I'm going to work hard to be the best player on the field."

Taylor is one of numerous CCC athletes that are making moves on a grand scale. He is ready to continue his journey in the NFL. Taylor's mother, whom he thanks for allowing him to pursue a football career, is thrilled about this exciting moment.