STARKVILLE — Chris Jones thought it was time for a change on Starkville High School’s offensive line, and he identified a candidate — one then playing as a defensive lineman.
In Ahmir Taylor, Jones saw someone who played offensive line as a freshman just a year ago. In talking to Taylor about it, Jones found a willing participant.
“At that time, I was only getting eight to 12 plays a game on defense and he said I could start on the offensive line and get more plays,” Taylor said.
From that conversation in Jones’ office, Taylor has been Starkville’s starting right guard in the Yellow Jackets’ two most recent wins. They will try to make it three-straight in Friday’s homecoming game against Murrah (2-6, 1-3 region), another important Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Region 2 game.
“He’s capable. He’s got decent size for a sophomore,” Jones said. “We thought we could be a little better with him on that line.”
Jones came prepared with a sales pitch, involving a former Yellow Jacket that played on both lines on the way to the local Southeastern Conference school.
Jones told Taylor about Kobe Jones, the former Yellow Jacket standout and current Mississippi State defensive end who played some offensive line in high school. Chris Jones wanted to make sure Taylor knew this could help him reach the next level.
“Most coaches want good football players. Most coaches mold you into what they want you to be,” Jones said.
Taylor had to change his number to play offensive line — he was wearing No. 34 before the change — and it’s entirely possible the comparison to Kobe Jones inspired him to change his number to 52.
Still, Taylor didn’t need the extra motivation. Chris Jones sees something different in Taylor: in a modern generation commonly seen as self-absorbed, Taylor has none of that. Jones wonders if it is, “a part of his upbringing,” as the son of Cheikh Taylor, a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for District 38.
Jones wonders if being raised by a man who makes a living of doing what benefits the whole over the benefits of self has rubbed off on Taylor, an attitude that manifested itself when a team need came to be. Even if it wasn’t easy.
The technique of offensive line is already difficult enough, even for those that have played the position for years. Taking the position on the fly as a defensive lineman was no easy task; and yet, when he does gets reps on the defensive line — which still happens, both in practice and in games — he can see the experience paying off.
“I have to learn to kick-slide better, using my hands more,” Taylor said. “When I go back over sometimes, I see myself doing better than I did.
“I consider myself both ways. I still love the defensive line, but I got to do what’s best for the team.”
In just two short weeks, he has proven competent in both disciplines. Consider it a matter of will.
“If you really want to do something,” Chris Jones said, “you’ll find a way to get it done.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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