One was steadfast on his decision while the other had social media in a stranglehold for 48 hours. The Greenwood Bulldog Football team had their first set of players to sign letters of intent for college football. Quarterback Kane Archer ultimately went with Utah and Offensive Lineman Cody Taylor with Charlotte.
“The expectations that were put on both of those were completely unrealistic and not only have they met them, they’re exceeding them.” Head Coach Chris Young said after the signing. “Start with Cody, starting his fourth consecutive State Championship, starting his 52nd game in a row is unbelievable. Not only has he been a great player on the field but seeing his leadership off the field.”
Kane Archer
Since November 30th, there was the headline of Arkansas hiring Ryan Silverfield and then there was the constant barrage of comments “GET KANE ARCHER!” Alas, at noon on Tuesday it was made official via post from his father Adam, that Kane was signing with the Utah Utes.
Kane Archer is a player that needs no introduction, the stats and accolades are well published. And if you were a high school or college football fan in the state of Arkansas, you would have had to be in a coma the last few weeks not to know the name Kane Archer. 10,000 yards passing, 2,500 yards rushing, 100 touchdowns passing, 50 touchdowns rushing, a National Record on completion percentage, 2024 Gatorade and MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year. Utah in the Big 12 conference will be the future home for the Greenwood Bulldog. Coincidentally, forty minutes south of the University of Utah, longtime travel ball teammate and Rogers Mountineer Braxton Lindsey will be at BYU.
“I would say it was more of the culture than anything. I went up there with an open mind, obviously and it just felt a lot like home.” Kane Archer talked about the choice to go to Utah. “The culture, I watched them play Kansas State. They were down like 11 with three minutes, and I looked around and everybody just had hope. It was like, man usually when you go places, it doesn’t feel like this and to watch them come back and win. Told me everything I needed to know about the program.”
“I got the feeling they’re going to play their best player, so all I have to do is go in there, and prove myself. And that may not be year one, that may not be year two, that may not be year 3. But I’m eventually going to prove myself and that’s why I’m taking a chance.” Archer said.
“I think Kane’s probably had the most remarkable career in the history of Arkansas High School football. What he’s done has never been done before.” Head Coach Chris Young said regarding his quarterback. “The cool thing is, there is no telling what you’re going to see Saturday, he’s just a special talent.”
“It’s going to be sad when he walks off the field Saturday, knowing that we’re not going to have the opportunity number one, to witness what he does on the field at Greenwood. But, number two, to coach him.” Coach Young said.
Cody Taylor
The Senior Offensive Lineman transferred into Greenwood during his 8th grade year. The 6’3” 310lbs Tackle, was moved up to Varsity his freshman year alongside his travel ball teammate Kane Archer. Taylor has played three different positions on the line but mainly spent his time at Guard for forty of the fifty-one games. There was a stint at Center his junior year, where injuries moved him back to Guard. This year was a change to left tackle to replace the graduated Christian Fleming.
Taylor has been a force on the line racking up 237 knockdowns in his four-year career. While Cody may be headed a short drive of fourteen hours away, it will be familiar as the offensive line coach for the Charlotte 49ers, also coached Greenwood’s offensive line coach Austin Moreton.
“The culture and how I felt wanted.” Cody Taylor said about what took him to Charlotte. “I can really go there and succeed is something I’ve really held on to. Being able to have faith in Coach [Allen] Rudolph and [Head] Coach Tim Albin, and what he’s doing is an absolutely amazing thing.”
“I think that’s actually really really cool. Because, you know, Coach Moreton’s way of coaching, I’m able to really pick up on and really do well.” Cody Taylor said regarding being coached at the next level by the same coach that coached Austin Moreton. “So, knowing he picked some stuff up from Coach Rudolph and he’s the originator. It’s really cool to be coached by him as well.”
“Seeing him get more comfortable talking with coaches and talking to kids, because he started off really shy. And it’s been awesome to see that.” Head Coach Chris Young said. “He’s worked extremely hard for what he’s gotten.”
