Why 2027 commit Jackson Taylor 'fell in love' with South Carolina

Aug. 1 was the first day that college baseball coaches could begin contacting high school prospects in the Class of 2027.

Only a few hours into the day, Jackson Taylor, a junior catcher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (FL), got an alert on his phone. It was six in the morning, and a message popped up from South Carolina. Then, a few hours later, hitting coach Monte Lee came calling.

“As soon as I woke up, I had like four texts, and one of them was from South Carolina,” Taylor told GamecockCentral. “And South Carolina has always been a pretty big one for me, so I was pretty excited to see that on my phone. … (Lee) was telling me he was just really interested. He wanted to get me up for a camp. And that’s really just how it all started.”

Around that same time, Taylor had received a full scholarship offer to come play at Central Florida. He also had an interest in schools like North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, NC State, and even his dad’s alma mater, Florida State. But there was something about Lee and the conversations they had that made Taylor feel important.

“Ever since I started talking to Coach Lee, I honestly fell in love with (South Carolina),” Taylor said. “… I think he’s just one of those coaches that I feel like I could really bond with and have an actual relationship with the coach, and not one of those things where you text a couple days a week. Like he was actually wondering about how my week was, how school was, how everything’s going.”

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That was more than enough to convince Taylor to commit to the Gamecocks, which he officially did on Aug. 19. He’s now the second player, along with right-handed pitcher Gavin Henderson, as part of South Carolina’s 2027 recruiting class.

Another key selling point for Taylor was seeing what South Carolina had to offer. The Coconut Creek, FL native, who had never been to Columbia before, went on his official visit last week and felt impressed by what he saw.

“I really liked South Carolina,” he said, “but when I went up there and saw the town, and I saw Columbia and everything, and I saw the facilities and everything, I knew it was like a good spot for me.”

Taylor also had a chance to check out Founders Park and go on the playing surface. He described as being a “surreal” experience.

“I’ve only seen (Founders Park) like once, through a picture, but it’s totally different when you’re actually on the field and everything. It’s amazing,” Taylor said. “… I couldn’t believe I was on an SEC field, and I couldn’t believe I was on South Carolina’s field. I wouldn’t ever think I could have done that.”

Taylor began his career at Coral Springs Charter, where he hit .282 with two homers and 20 RBI in two seasons. However, he doesn’t feel those offensive numbers are indicative of what he can be as a switch-hitter.

“This might sound a little cocky, but I think I could end up being a powerhouse,” he said. “I think I have the power, I have the contact, I hit from both sides. Once I just keep developing that lefty swing, I think it’s going to be really good.”

As a catcher, Taylor prides himself on being a leader. He feels he’s done that throughout his years of playing. It’s an important quality for him to have.

“I think I bring momentum and positivity and everything, and I make sure everyone’s on their game, everyone’s where they’re supposed to be,” Taylor said. “I think that’s probably the best word I could give for catching. You just have to be a leader when you’re a catcher; if you’re not, you’re not going to make it.”

Heading into next season, Taylor will be at a new school as he transferred to Marjory Stoneman Douglas. He joins a program in the midst of an incredible dynasty, winning the last five state championships and four national titles.

With South Carolina having a rich baseball tradition, winning back-to-back College World Series titles in 2010 and 2011, Taylor feels that being at Stoneman Douglas, with its winning pedigree, will only help prepare him for the next level.

“At my old school, yeah, there are some good players, but at Douglas, every player you are surrounded with is most likely one of the best players in the country,” Taylor said. “You have to live up to that standard of winning and doing things right and working hard. And if you don’t, then you’re gonna get left behind, especially at Douglas. You have to keep up with that standard.”

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