UK’s Calvin Taylor, an unrecruited prep star, to sign with Steelers

Kentucky defensive lineman Calvin Taylor didn’t have a single Division I football offer with just a few weeks left in his senior year of high school. Now he’ll have a chance to make an NFL roster.

Taylor, who finished as the second-leading producer of sacks in the Southeastern Conference last season, will sign an undrafted free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was the latest stroke of success for a 6-9, 311-pound defensive tackle who spent most his high school career in pursuit of a college basketball scholarship, and therefore missing out on opportunities to be evaluated by football recruiting services. The only FBS offer he received while playing high school football was from Temple, which later was revoked because the assistant who handed it out no longer was with the Owls.

While seeking a junior-college opportunities, Taylor eventually was put in contact with then-UK defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh, who arranged an official visit almost immediately. Head coach Mark Stoops offered Taylor a scholarship during that visit and he committed on the spot.

Taylor started the final 22 of the 40 total games he played at UK and finished his career with 85 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks (8.5 as a senior), five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Taylor was one of several Kentucky seniors who weren’t invited to the NFL’s annual draft combine and were hoping to impress NFL scouts during the school’s on-campus pro day. That event was among the many canceled due to efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Two former Kentucky players were chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders picked wide receiver Lynn Bowden, who they plan to use as a running back, in the third round. The Detroit Lions selected offensive lineman Logan Stenberg in the fourth round.