Tyrod Taylor

positives

Three-year starter and an athletic dual-threat quarterback prospect who can make big plays with his arm and his legs. Demonstrates good accuracy when using proper footwork and decent arm strength. Had an outstanding 24-5 TD/INT ratio as a senior, when his ability to read defenses improved vastly. Very fast and elusive. Has the athletic ability to be projected as a running back or wide receiver.

negatives

Awkward delivery includes a wind-up and a hitch in the throwing motion, with his wrist turned with the ball almost 180 degrees before the elbow moves forward. Whether the NFL wishes to correct that may depend on his role -- as a gadget quarterback who plays wide receiver, he could get away with it. Holds the ball too long in the pocket. Doesn't secure the ball when running. Loses accuracy when he doesn't maintain proper footwork.

A PARADE All-American as an all-purpose player

Rated the No. 1 dual threat quarterback in the nation by Rivals

In three years as a starter for Coach Mike Smith at Hampton, accounted for 7,690 yards of total offense and 100 touchdowns

Passed for 5,144 yards and 44 touchdowns while rushing for 2,546 yards and 56 scores in his time as a starter

A two-time first-team all-state performer who finished his senior year with over 2,300 total yards and 36 touchdowns

Completed 85 of 164 passes for 1,538 yards and 15 touchdowns with just four interceptions and ran for 788 yards and 21 scores

Named the 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia as a senior

Named first-team all-state by the AP as a utility player

Named first-team all-state by the VHSCA as a quarterback

A first-team quarterback and a second-team defensive back on the Daily Press All-Stars Football Team

Rushed for 1,044 yards and 21 touchdowns while passing for 1,544 yards and nine scores as a junior, leading Hampton to its 17th state championship. For his junior year performance, earned VHSCA and AP first-team all-state honors

The Offensive Player of the Year and first-team quarterback on the Daily Press All-Stars Football team

As a sophomore, earned first-team quarterback Daily Press All-Stars Football honors after passing for 2,062 yards and 20 touchdowns and running for 714 yards and 14 scores

Named a second-team all-state selection by the AP as a quarterback

Ranked the No. 6 quarterback in the country by PrepStar

Rated the No. 16 player in the country on the ESPN 150

Listed as the No. 20 overall player in the country and the No. 1 athlete in the country by SuperPrep

Ranked the No. 27 player overall in the nation by that same publication

A SuperPrep Postseason All-American

A member of the PrepStar Dream Team

Earned a spot in the 2006 Nike Elite 11 quarterbacks camp

A member of the SuperPrep Elite 50

Ranked the No. 1 player in the state of Virginia by The Roanoke Times, Rivals, SuperPrep and Scout

Listed as the No. 4 quarterback in the country by Scout

An All-America and All-Atlantic Region selection by PrepStar.

Tyrod Taylor

Born 8/3/89 in Hampton, VA

Son of Rodney and Trina Taylor

Majoring apparel, housing and resource management (residential property management).