Tray Taylor makes an immediate impact on Troy

This story was originally featured in the Troy Athletics Gameday Program.

Troy football is known for pairing its’ smashmouth offensive identity with a bone-crushing defensive intensity. That culture is built and maintained by the players and coaches that don the Power T throughout the fall. One of the integral parts of this years’ offensive engine is wide receiver Tray Taylor. 

Troy Athletics photo

Tray Taylor lines up alongside Roman Mothershed.

Standing at 5’8”, Taylor doesn’t fit the prototypical physical profile many envision at the wideout position. While some look at his height as a detriment, Taylor uses it as a chip on his shoulder. 

“I’m a small guy that’s been counted out a lot and really came from nothing – just a work ethic guy,” Taylor said. 

 Before enrolling at Troy, his collegiate career began at Tyler Junior College. Having little to no interest heading into his sophomore season, Taylor embraced the chip on his shoulder.

On his way to becoming a three-star athlete, he earned Second-Team JUCO All-American, First-Team All-SWJCFC wide receiver and Second-Team All-SWJCFC return specialist Honors as a sophomore. 

After being tabbed as ESPN’s seventh-best JUCO receiver, Taylor decided to transfer to Coastal Carolina for his junior season. As a Chanticleer, Taylor accumulated 262 yards and a touchdown on 18 catches, while also proving to be a weapon in the return game by averaging 14.1 and 13.5 yards per reception, respectively, on punt and kickoff return opportunities. 

Flash forward to the present day, where Taylor is a senior and has found his home in cardinal. Throughout his career, his mindset has proven to be stronger than any physical muscle that can be tested. A mindset Taylor refers to as “getting it out the mud.” 

“Whatever I set my mind to or if there’s something I want to chase, I go get it,” Taylor commented. 

Every day, the Trojan football team is reminded of their reason to keep going or their “why” before embarking on their journey. While each player’s reason is different, there are core messages that connect them. As for Taylor and many of his teammates, it’s deeper than themselves. 

“We really didn’t have someone make it far coming out from the area or just in our family in general,” Taylor said. “Me doing the stuff that I’m doing, it’s not me doing it. It’s basically them doing it because that’s what I do it for.” 

Football is a game of lessons for many, including Taylor. The journey is relatable to life in the way there is something to learn in every win as there is in every loss. Taylor, like many other athletes, did not have a linear path to success but continued to put in the work. 

“Everything that you’re going through or that you want is not going to be as easy as you thought it would be or how people make it seem – you’re going to have a different path,” Taylor said. 

Off the field, Taylor is a reserved person who enjoys playing video games and spending time with his friends. In his free time, Taylor describes himself as an introvert with some common interests.  

 “I really like to be in nature or bowl when if I have free time, or just be around guys I know,” Taylor said. 

In today’s day and age, mental health is vital – especially for student-athletes. Under the pressure of performing at the Division I level come unpredictable challenges. Finding different ways to embrace those challenges is what creates the light at the end of the tunnel.  

“My interests keep me grounded, even when life gets hard, I know what I can run to and what soothes my mind.” Taylor said.  

Post graduation, the wideout aspires to continue his playing career. Taylor also has plans on pursuing a career in photography as well as obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License.