Jake Taylor Update: Talking Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football, His Top Three Schools And What’s Next In His Recruitment

Jake Taylor, a 6-5, 280-pound offensive tackle from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, reached an important point of his recruiting process on Monday. He announced his top three schools, and it included perennial College Football Playoff contenders.

“It’s been great to build bonds and relationships with coaches, especially at Alabama, Notre Dame and Oklahoma,” Taylor said. “It’s been an amazing ride.”

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The four-star class of 2022 prospect landed an offer from Alabama on Feb. 12, and they quickly jumped to the top of his recruitment with Notre Dame and Oklahoma. Taylor has spoken with Crimson Tide assistants Holmon Wiggins, Doug Marrone and even the head man himself.

“I’ve had my relationship building with those guys especially, and I was lucky enough to get on a call with Coach [Nick] Saban,” Taylor said.

Notre Dame offensive line coach Jeff Quinn is leading the charge for the Fighting Irish. Quinn offered Taylor last October and has prioritized the nation’s No. 34 offensive tackle and No. 7 player in Nevada.

“It’s amazing talking to Coach Quinn,” Taylor said. “We talk about how amazing Notre Dame is and how high they are on my list. They’re definitely one of the ones I’m heavily considering.

“Notre Dame you have to love because of the academics. It’d be a challenge, but I’ve never backed away from a challenge my whole life. The degree I’d get if I pushed through there is unsurpassable.”

Former Notre Dame defensive back Nicco Fertitta is on the Gorman coaching staff as its secondaries coach. Taylor speaks often with Fertitta about what to expect in South Bend.

“I’ve asked him about the vibe about Notre Dame. Everything he goes back to is that everyone there has the same mindset as you – they want to win and get the A in that class. That’s crucial to know. He lets me know that it’s the best college you could get over to.”

Part of Oklahoma’s pitch to Taylor is that they feel he can play early in the process. Of his top three schools, he’s only visited the Sooners, which occurred back in December for a self-guided tour.

“I talk to the offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, head coach Lincoln Riley and running backs coach DeMarco Murray, who went to Bishop Gorman. I talk to them daily – not necessarily on the phone, but through text.”

The dead period is expected to be extended from April 15 to the end of May, if not longer. Taylor was hoping to take some trips this spring to meet the coaching staffs, but an extension of the dead period wouldn’t allow that to happen any time soon. Additionally, Taylor has a spring season to focus on.

“For recruiting overall, I’m leaning towards making a decision after my junior football season,” he said.