By Tony Thomas
For decades, the State of Ohio has been a recruiting hotbed for talented high school football players, a football factory forging skilled gridiron warriors, including the class of 2027 defensive end Ryan Taylor.
In 2024, Taylor played at the storied Ohio powerhouse St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Taylor racked up 54 tackles, 6.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, 14 quarterback pressures, and 2.5 sacks for the Wildcats.
In 2025, Taylor will play for Christ School in Asheville, North Carolina, a top program in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISSA), with 10 state championship game appearances (nine runner-up finishes and a state title in 2020).
Taylor reclassified to the Class of 2027 to challenge himself academically, as well as to work on his game and develop further as a player and a leader.
A big reason for Taylor transferring to Christ School is Clint Alexander. Alexander arrives at Christ School fresh off a state championship at Blue Ridge School (in Virginia.). He has a reputation for success and the ability to bring talent into his program.
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At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Taylor is a beast as it relates to workouts and training:
Weight Training
- Trains at Functional Fitness in Cleveland, under the watchful eye of Jermail Porter. He trains 5 days/week and focuses on the types of lifts that improve strength, explosiveness, and speed.
Speed Training
- Trains with David Schierbaum at MAQ
- Works out once per week to improve his speed, agility and endurance
- Schierbaum has trained professional athletes like Kyrie Irving and Julian Edelman
Football Skills Training
- Trains with Connor Milner and T3 throughout the week
- Focuses on DE/Edge Rusher-specific techniques
At the 2025 Lineman Lab, presented by T3 in Avon, Ohio, Taylor walked away as the Defensive Lineman MVP, leaving other D1 talent from Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania in his wake.
I am honored to have been awarded Defensive MVP at the T3 annual lineman showcase. It was a great time being able to compete against some of the best talent in Ohio. The grind keeps on going❗️#LinemanLab @morr_movement_ @DaleRodick @CoachChad_T3 @_rushhour_ @mfarrellsports… pic.twitter.com/NDxWhamhkD
— Ryan Taylor 3⭐️ (@R_Taylor99) May 7, 2025
Taylor has received scholarship offers from Butler University and Wheeling University (in West Virginia). In addition, Taylor has received interest from across the country from schools at all levels:
Power 4 Schools
Northwestern
Kentucky
Minnesota
Ivy League
Princeton
Yale
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Pennsylvania
FCS
Montana State
Valparaiso
Group of Five
Miami (OH)
Ohio
Kent State
Central Michigan
Buffalo
D2
Hillsdale
Grand Valley State
Saginaw Valley State
Taylor has received interest from several Division III schools as well. In addition, Taylor has attended camps such as the John Carroll Build the Bridge Showcase and the David Braun Showcase Camp at Northwestern.
Shannon Somers
Taylor will attend camps at North Dakota State next week and at Ivy League schools in the coming months.
Here is another example of Taylor’s work ethic, focus, and discipline. He is a brown belt in Kenpo Karate. Taylor also trains in Shoot Fighting when his schedule allows.
The Christ School welcomes a pure football player in Taylor, who will help them continue their history and tradition of football excellence.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, had this to say about Taylor,
“2026 verified 3-star DE Ryan Taylor from OH. can play multiple positions, is great off contact, always in pursuit.”
Do you want to be promoted and get your game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
