Arkansas officially adds Taylor to its 2016 roster

Michael Taylor

— Arkansas officially added Riverside, Calif., Community College defensive end Michael Taylor into the fold on Friday.

Taylor (6-3, 248, 4.55), who committed to the Razorbacks on Thursday after completing his official visit, will join Arkansas in time for fall camp and will have three years of eligibility.

He signed a financial aid agreement on Thursday, which pleased Razorback head coach Bret Bielema.

“We’re very excited to add Michael to our 2016 signing class,” Bielema said in a press release. “He’ll be here early next week and will be full-go for fall camp. We expect big things and a great career for Michael here at Arkansas.”

Taylor had 50 tackles, 11.5 tackles for lost yardage and one pass breakup for a Riverside team that finished 8-3.

Taylor attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, after he ran track and redshirted in football for one semester at North Carolina Central in 2014.

Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith lauded the addition of Taylor and believes he will have an impact right away.

“Anytime you get an opportunity to supplement your roster with somebody that you think can help your program and we certainly feel that way about Michael,” Smith said on Sports Talk with Bo Mattingly.. “He is a guy that has shown the ability to rush the passer.

“He was actually an excellent track athlete at one point in time and has grown into his body. Those are all things that excited us. I know (defensive line) Coach (Rory) Segrest is excited to work with him.

“It was the right time, the right fit and we are excited to have him on board. He’ll be able to do a couple of different things for us. He can play that rush end position and I think we can work him into some sub-packages and we can get him into situations to rush the passer.”

A native of Orlando, Florida, Taylor closed the year with a season-high nine tackles, including one for an 8-yard loss in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern California Regional Championships.

“I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come to the University of Arkansas,” Taylor said. “Once I got to campus, the family-feel of the program was obvious to both me and my dad. It just felt like a place I could call home.

“I’m excited to finish strong in the classroom, and to get back to campus to join my teammates. Also to get into the weight room so I can continue to develop.”