David Taylor commits to Penn State

June 9, 9:53 AMCollege Wrestling ExaminerMark Palmer

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David Taylor (Photo/InterMat)

David Taylor – and the nation’s college wrestling fans and coaches – can relax now.

On Monday, the four-time Ohio state champ from St. Paris Graham High School committed to Penn State University, where he will receive a full-ride scholarship.

Earlier this year, Taylor, ranked the nation’s number-one overall recruit by the amateur wrestling website InterMat, had committed to Iowa State. That all changed April 17, when Cyclones’ head coach Cael Sanderson accepted the same position at Penn State, starting the speculation as to whether Taylor would try to follow. In early May, Iowa State released Taylor from his commitment to the school, and the recruiting process began all over again, with Penn State, Ohio State and Oklahoma State reportedly all in the running.

Back in May, Taylor told the Springfield News-Sun, “I’m not going to rush into any decision. Penn State is where I’d like to be with Cael. But I want to evaluate everything.”

By any measure, David Taylor is a major catch for Penn State. At St. Paris Graham -- one of the top prep programs in wrestling-rich Ohio -- he compiled an incredible 180-2 career record. In March, he became Ohio’s 17th four-time state wrestling champ by winning the 135-pound title, and claimed the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler award for a second year. He was also a two-time national champ, and the only wrestler to win four titles at the Ironman, considered to be one of the toughest high school tourneys in the nation.

Just this past weekend, Taylor was presented with the Dave Schultz National High School Excellence Award at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. This annual award is presented to a high school wrestler for his on-the-mat performance, academics, character, and community service. Recently, Taylor graduated from St. Paris Graham in the top ten of his class, with an overall grade point average of 4.0.

Resources

May 8 Examiner: Taylor earns release from Iowa State

David Taylor articles at Miami Valley Sports wrestling website

Penn State official announcement regarding David Taylor

Penn State wrestling website