Southwest Onslow (Jacksonville, N.C.) head coach Charlie Dempsey started 36 games on the offensive line at East Carolina, so he knows what a major FBS-level player looks like. He recognized early on that Jimmie Taylor IV had the potential to reach college football’s highest level.
“We knew right away from watching him in middle school that if he kept progressing he could be something special,” Dempsey said. “As good as he is now, I think he still has a lot more potential in him. He has size, speed, and athleticism. Most guys that big may not move as well and most guys who are as speedy as him are smaller.”