COCOA — Cocoa High School coach John Wilkinson still remembers the day Jawaan Taylor finally committed to lift — or lose — the weight off his shoulders.
Last July, the 3-star offensive guard traveled with Wilkinson to compete in Florida’s summer camp. Taylor, hoping to earn an offer from the Gators, found out he was far from it.
“I watched his workout from the stands,” Wilkinson said. “He was kind of laboring and limping around. He just didn’t look good at all to be honest with you. That was the turning point for him.”
Following the camp, UF offensive line coach Mike Summers met with Taylor and laid it on him.