Khameron Taylor Looks for an Expanded Role with the Hoosiers

Image: South Alabama Athletics

Written By: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

When last week’s news broke that Indiana had added a graduate transfer tight end to the squad, the move made a lot of sense.

The Hoosiers’ 2019 offense featured the tight end position more than any other year in its history, with starter Peyton Hendershot setting Indiana tight end receiving records in receptions (52) and yards (622). He also added 4 touchdowns and was named to the All-Big Ten team.

But Hendershot took a beating from being utilized so often, and with his February arrest having him participating in a modified role, the tight end room was in need of some additional depth.

Enter Khameron Taylor.

South Alabama graduate transfer Kham Taylor certainly has the athleticism to catch passes from the tight end position. He just hasn’t necessarily had the opportunity to with South Alabama’s power-run heavy offensive scheme. In his final two years with the Jaguars, Taylor tallied just 7 receptions and 1 touchdown. That will soon change.

“You're looking for a guy that's going to fit the needs,” said tight ends coach Kevin Wright via teleconference. “I think that what we've found in Kham was a guy that had predominately been a blocker in the offense he was in and also who is a really good athlete who has the potential I think to catch the football. I told him he's probably not going to block power very much like he did at his previous school.”

“I think I'm really good in the passing game,” added Taylor. “I think I just need the opportunity. I didn't at South (Alabama) get to run a lot of routes in games. Didn't get a lot of targets. I felt like I'm just going to make the most of the play when it comes my way.”

Indiana’s ability to showcase Taylor’s ability both as a physical blocker and an athletic receiver was a big part in his transfer decision. With the coronavirus pandemic striking the world, he was unable to make any visits to schools of interest.

“I couldn't travel. I couldn't visit there. It was tough. I had to do a lot of background research. I had a lot of questions for Coach Wright, Coach Allen. It just felt like everything was pointing in Indiana's direction. I just feel the coaching staff is right to develop me into a better player and reach for my future goals.”

“I'm excited to meet him in person,” Coach Wright added in response to the difficulty of today’s recruiting. “He's great virtually, but I'm excited to meet him in person.”

For now, Taylor is focused on transforming his body to one that can play more as a receiver. Listed currently at 270 pounds, he’d like to drop a bit of weight to be a bit more explosive. Wright described him as “a bit bigger than some of the guys in the room.”

“I can play at 250. I can play at 270, but 255 is where I feel the fastest,” said Taylor.

Until then, he will trust he made the right decision and wait until workout restrictions are lifted so he is able to join together with his new Indiana coaches and teammates in person, rather than through Zoom.

“I just really considered what I wanted out of myself and what I picture myself doing and who would get the most out of me. I just felt like Indiana was that place that would do that for me.”