Hopewell High School (VA) standout Darrell Taylor watched his cousin, Tabyus, earn and accept a football scholarship offer from Virginia Tech in the class of 2014. Tabyus’ offer came relatively late in the recruiting process, in November of his senior year. Darrell, a junior and potential defensive end or outside linebacker on the major college level, has enjoyed early recruiting success that began when the University of Virginia offered a scholarship on January 26, 2014.

“I felt really great about it,” Taylor said of the Virginia offer. “Not many coaches come to Hopewell High School, so our coach puts us out there. When [Virginia] offered I was really excited. It shocked me at first. I didn’t think I’d get any offers my junior year.”

Virginia Tech and Charlotte came through with offers shortly after Virginia, and earlier this week the 6’4”, 220-pound prospect scored an offer from Illinois. At this stage of the recruiting process, Taylor is staying patient and waiting to see which other opportunities arise in the coming months.

“I’m keeping my options open, whether the school is in-state or out-of-state,” Taylor said when asked if he had any favorites.

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