Southwest Onslow (Jacksonville, N.C.) head coach Charlie Dempsey started 36 games on the offensive line at East Carolina, so he knows what a major FBS-level player looks like. He recognized early on that Jimmie Taylor IV had the potential to reach college football’s highest level.

“We knew right away from watching him in middle school that if he kept progressing he could be something special,” Dempsey said. “As good as he is now, I think he still has a lot more potential in him. He has size, speed, and athleticism. Most guys that big may not move as well and most guys who are as speedy as him are smaller.”

Taylor has played on the varsity level all three seasons. He didn’t start his freshman year, but the experience gained was valuable.

“We had a young defense that year, so he moved up and got playing time on the varsity as a freshman,” Dempsey recalled. “It took him a year to really adjust, especially with his coordination. Even so, we could see glimpses of what he could do. Once he got his legs under him and he got a little stronger… well, he always had the ability to be a great player. His freshman year was a good year for him playing backup. Getting used to the speed on varsity was such a good experience, and it helped him have a good sophomore year.”

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