Defensive lineman Trent Taylor announces Cyclone commitment

Alex Gookin

Trent Taylor, a four-star recruit out of high school, signed his national letter of intent to play football for the Iowa State, ISU coach Paul Rhoads announced Feb. 24.

Taylor is a 6-2, 250-pound defensive lineman from Lakeland, Fla. He signed with Tennessee out of high school, playing one game for the Volunteers in 2012.

He stopped attending Tennessee practices to focus on academics, according to his former coach Derek Dooley.

Taylor spent the 2013 season at Butler Community College (Kan.), where 2014 recruit and current ISU defensive lineman Gabe Luna lined up next to him. Taylor was an honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference selection last season, recording 32 tackles, 3 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 10 games.

Taylor was one of the top defensive lineman in the nation coming out of high school (Lake Gibson H.S.). He was an Associated Press First-Team Class 6A Florida selection in 2011 and was ranked as the No. 19 defensive end in the nation in 2011 by Rivals.com.

He also recorded 66 tackles and 14 sacks and was named Lakeland Ledger Player of the Year as a senior. Taylor and current ISU running back Tyler Brown played together in high school.