Bryce Taylor: The Unlikely Starter
West Des Moines Valley Tigers cornerback Bryce Taylor made an immediate impact in his first season with the 4A program, recording 5 interceptions and 20 tackles in just 8 games. The Class of 2025 transfer from out-of-state Ohio, where he played for a 2A school, was expected to learn the system and compete for a backup role. Instead, Taylor's speed and instincts earned him a starting spot, and he quickly became a key contributor to the Tigers' secondary. Taylor's ability to read the quarterback and anticipate routes has drawn praise from coaches and scouts. He also showed a willingness to support the run, displaying tackling skills that are uncommon for a player of his size. With a year of experience under his belt, Taylor is expected to take on an even larger role in the Tigers' defense. Scouts are watching to see if he can build on his impressive freshman campaign and become a top target for college programs.