by Pat Turner, UTSA Athletics contributing writer
SAN ANTONIO — Dez Bryant may not realize it, but the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver has left a lasting impression on JaBryce Taylor.
While developing a friendship during their younger days, Bryant left the future UTSA receiver in awe with his pass-catching abilities for Lufkin High School. Taylor was even more amazed while watching his role model have an All-America career at Oklahoma State.
More inspiration has occurred the past seven years, as Bryant has developed into one of the premier receivers in the National Football League.
"Dez keeps me going," Taylor said. "I have always admired him. He was able to come out of little ol' Lufkin and I thought why can't I do that, too? Coming from a small town like we did, he made me realize anything is possible."
Taylor, however, has put together a career that would make Bryant smile. During his senior year at Lufkin, the District 14-5A Most Valuable player hauled in a school-record 87 receptions for 1,628 yards after snagging 40 passes for 494 yards as a junior.
Now, Taylor is showing his play-making ability at UTSA following stints at SMU and Navarro (Texas) Junior College.
Like the previous stops, Taylor has made noise quickly.
As a junior last season, he finished with 29 receptions for 472 yards and three touchdowns. Going into today's Conference USA encounter with UTEP, he has eight catches for 74 yards and a TD this fall with plans to do more.
Since this is his senior year, Taylor's goal is to help UTSA win its first Conference USA title and receive a bowl bid.
His approach for doing that is sticking to the same plan that carried him through previous seasons.
"I'm trying to stay into the game mentally and physically," Taylor said. "You have to do that every day. God has given me the ability to play the game, but you have to study what the coaches give you. Then, you apply what they put on paper to the field.
"I feel comfortable out there catching passes. A lot of it has to do with timing. It's not going to be perfect all the time, but there are spurts where it looks like we've been working together forever. That's what I try to do."
Taylor knows what it to takes to succeed in his role.
He's more comfortable running routes and has a better idea of how to get the advantage on opposing defenders. Even with his experience, there are no hints of complacency.
The way Taylor sees it, being a receiver is an ongoing education.
"I know how serious this game is," he said. "It is a big part of my life and I take it seriously. I am running routes better, but I am taking in a lot more film work. I'm studying my routes and getting the coaches' input. There are always things you can work on to get better and I am always open to constructive criticism. Every day is a new day and I try to get better every day."
"JaBryce has been a huge asset since he arrived at UTSA," junior quarterback Dalton Sturm said. "He's a big, physical receiver who has great body control and is sure-handed. Along with being such a big asset for our team, he's also a great guy off the field and we can always count on him for whatever is needed."
Coming to UTSA with college experience also was an advantage.
Taylor was thrown into the pressure cooker his freshman year at SMU, but he proved he could handle tight situations. During his time with the Mustangs, Taylor saw action in 10 games and caught seven passes for 127 yards and also returned 17 kickoffs for 309 yards and seven punts for another 97, including a 55-yard touchdown against Montana State.
However, he left SMU after his first season and transferred to Navarro.
Although Taylor was playing at the junior college level, the receiver was around top-notch talent.
Taylor proved to be one of those top-notch types. He finished the year with 47 receptions for 846 yards and six touchdowns, including five 100-yard outings.
Looking back, that helped him prepare for his time at UTSA.
"The talent was so good in JUCO football," Taylor said. "Cam Newton played at Blinn and he was in the Super Bowl this year. I was seeing good players all the time. They're all trying to get better so they go on to the next level. The past years helped prepare me for my time at UTSA. I played for great coaches and you couldn't ask anything more than that."
Through it all, San Antonio has been paradise for Taylor.
The first time the Lufkin product arrived on campus, he knew it was the place for him. He was impressed with the facilities and the enthusiasm from the coaches and players. Since the program was just getting off the ground, UTSA did not have a lot of traditions, but that inspired Taylor to help the Roadrunners reach that pinnacle.
"When I got here, I was really humbled," said Taylor, who is graduating with a degree in multidisciplinary studies in December. "The facilities were great. I saw the little things people don't think about. I didn't want to take any of this for granted. I saw this as an advantage and wanted to make the best of it. I felt so blessed and wanted to take it farther. It's been great for me."
Additional motivation to excel occurred this past July when he married Gracie Roush.
No doubt, married life is another new experience for Taylor, and the couple is expecting their first child, a son, at the end of December.
"It's been a great transition," he said. "I love it and am glad I have someone I can be happy with. It's another blessing God gave me. It inspires me to work twice as hard because I am not working for me now, I am working for her and the little one. I have to stand up and be a man and that makes me want to succeed even more."
