Former Div. 1 Safety Deryn Taylor to transfer to UMHB

Above photo: Deryn Taylor played at Seguin High School before starting his college career

BELTON, Texas- The UMHB football team secured a Div. I transfer on Wednesday in safety Deryn Taylor.

Taylor was brief in his Twitter post, simply stating, “Committed” but also changed his Twitter bio to read “Safety @ UMHB”, inking his commitment to UMHB. He also confirmed his decision to True To The Cru.

“The main reason I chose UMHB was that right from the start the coaches were real and honest,” Taylor told True To The Cru. “You can tell that they genuinely care for you and want to build a good relationship with you. The atmosphere and support system is amazing. It seems like everyone knows everyone and they all want to see you do good.”

Taylor spent only the 2019 season on the roster of Abilene Christian, a Div. I FCS program, and did not appear in any of the Wildcats’ 12 games.

He then went to Texas State, a Div. I program in the Sun Belt Conference, in 2020, but was placed at inside linebacker and eventually cut.

A product of Seguin High School in Seguin, Texas, the 6’0, 180 lb Taylor tallied 51 solo tackles in 10 games during his senior season in 2018. He total 72 tackles with 11.0 tackles for loss and one sack. His efforts earned him a spot in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game in January of 2019.

Taylor comes to Belton with four years of eligibility remaining, and his talent level could easily put him in competition for a starting spot at UMHB’s Cru position this fall, which is basically a flex safety position. Jayden Smith, a junior, started at that position this past spring and will be in the mix for the starting job headed into the 2021 season.

A look at his film reveals a player with tremendous vision, and top-notch speed. His high football IQ allows him to detect where the quarterback is set to throw the ball, and his athleticism allows him to break up passes across the field. He is a perfect fit at safety, considering his great coverage ability, along with impressive vision.

The former Abilene Christian Wildcat was offered by UMHB on May 26.