Hogs add defensive lineman to 2016 class

Hogs add defensive lineman to 2016 class

UA Media Relations FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema has announced the addition of Riverside (Calif.) City College defensive lineman Michael Taylor to the 2016 signing class. Taylor, who signed a financial grant-in aid on Friday, will join the Razorbacks for fall camp and will have three years of eligibility.

“We’re very excited to add Michael to our 2016 signing class,” Bielema said. “He’ll be here early next week and will be full-go for fall camp. We expect big things and a great career for Michael here at Arkansas.”

Taylor helped Riverside finish 8-3 in 2015 by tallying 50 tackles, including 11.5 for loss, four sacks and one pass breakup under head coach Tom Craft. A native of Orlando, Florida, Taylor had at least two tackles in all 11 contests and recorded six or more stops three times. He notched eight tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and one sack in the Tigers’ 3818 win against Saddleback. Four games later, he recorded four tackles, all for loss, and a season-high two sacks to help Riverside defeat LA Harbor 55-7. Taylor closed the year with a season-high nine tackles, including one for an 8-yard loss in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern California Regional Championships.

“I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come to the University of Arkansas,” Taylor said. “Once I got to campus, the family-feel of the program was obvious to both me and my dad. It just felt like a place I could call home. I’m excited to finish strong in the classroom, and to get back to campus to join my teammates. Also to get into the weight room so I can continue to develop.”

Prior to Riverside, Taylor attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, after he ran track and redshirted in football for one semester at North Carolina Central in 2014.

By Patrick Pierson