2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Steven Taylor, OL, Southern Arkansas University

• Name: Steven Taylor
• Position: OL
• College: Southern Arkansas University 
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 295 lbs 
• Twitter: @sataylor132

1.What is a moment that improved you as a football player? 

My redshirt sophomore year when I made the transition from center to guard. It helped me improve as a player by allowing me to become more versatile by helping me gain a better understanding of all five positions on the line and dive deeper into the schemes and concepts of offensive line play.

2.What does it mean to you to be a captain on Southern Arkansas? 

It’s an honor and privilege. I was appointed as an academic captain this past spring for having a gpa of a 4.0 and chosen to be a member of our team’s inaugural leadership council. I’m thankful for the opportunity to not only lead my teammates but also set a standard of winning on and off the field.

3.What are you looking forward to this upcoming season? 

I am looking forward to getting back on the field and competing with my teammates in a game setting again. We have all been working hard throughout this pandemic and I can’t wait to see us reap the fruits of our labor.

4.What past or present NFL coach would you want to learn from the most and why? 

The coach I would most want to learn from is Dante Scarnecchia. He was a part of building a winning culture in New England and consistently put out good offensive line play every season without a lot of big names up front. 

5.What is your favorite workout? 

My favorite workout would have to be variations of pulling movements. I like these exercises because the explosiveness built off these lifts may help elevate my game whether it be a faster step off the ball or more force generated on the initial contact of a block.

6.What are your favorite things about playing football for Southern Arkansas? 

My favorite things about playing for SAU would have to be the culture, coaches, and players. We have a culture of doing things the right way both on and off the field, it’s an environment like this that will help us, players, not only become better ball players but better men as well. The coaches and players are all really close, it doesn’t matter what position you play or coach everyone wants the best for one another and we push each other to be the best we can be every opportunity we have.

7.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field? 

I feel the biggest key to success on the football field is one’s mindset and mentality. I feel that those two aspects is what separates a good player from a great one. To have the right mindset and mentality to do the little things right, continuously strive to be the best version of one’s self, and being coachable/ always seeking new knowledge is what gives exceptional players an edge. 

8.What sets you apart from other offensive linemen? 

I see my versatility to be able to play all three interior positions on the interior line when called upon with no drop-off as something that separates me from most offensive lineman. 

9.How do you prepare for games? 

For me, it first starts with scouting out the opponent tape on Sunday and continues to do so throughout the week. I then go through a week of practice, executing our coach’s game plan and physically preparing for any tendencies I see on film. On the day of the game I like to get up around 6:30-7 so I can get breakfast and get my body moving around. After a pregame meal, I like to walk the stadium with my teammates, review the game plan over with my position group, and watch some last-minute film. Lastly, to keep my mind steady I typically will listen to old school r&b throughout the day leading up to game time.

10.How do handle challenges both in life and on the football field? 

I handle them both by first identifying and addressing what the problem is. I then brainstorm different solutions to deal with the challenges I am facing. Lastly, I confidently face the challenge straight on, trusting the process that brought me to overcome this obstacle.

11.How do you think you measure up to NFL players? 

I believe that my game measures up to and is very similar to a player like Shaq Mason, one of the most underrated interior offensive linemen in the league. I am very consistent with my game in terms of understanding assignments, having the ability to finish blocks, and play through the whistle.

12.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring positive and blue-collar energy to the football field. When on the field for practice or a game I always try to keep my teammates leveled, whether it be by bringing them up when we are down or pushing them further during times where we are having success. I say blue collar because every time I hit the field I come mentally prepared to come to work. It all starts up front and if I can’t do my job others won’t be able to do theirs.