ly F y l d u o r P s Former Tiger
L F N n i h g i H CCC’s Flag
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1,060 college football players represent their institutions proudly on the football field every year in the United States. Of that number, only 1.2 percent of players will get the golden opportunity to play in the National Football League. No matter how challenging the odds were, two former Coahoma Tigers can now boast of being NFL players. Davion Taylor and Chris Claybrooks were drafted in the 2020 NFL draft hosted in Las Vegas. Taylor was drafted 39th in the third-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, while Claybrooks was selected ninth in the sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor is still overwhelmed with joy by his achievement of turning his lifelong dream into reality. “It means a lot; it’s actually a dream come true. It’s one thing I have been working for all my life in the past four years and I’ve been giving it my all. I accomplished my goals,” said Taylor. He has a unique and extraordinary story of a native from Magnolia, Mississippi,
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now living in the bustling, diverse city of Philadelphia. Major sporting networks highlight the fact that Taylor was able to make his way to pro football by playing far fewer games than his other peers. During high school, Taylor did not participate in sporting activities from Friday night until Sunday morning due to religious reasons.
Despite the lack of football games on his resume, one community college gave him
a chance not only to earn an education but to also get started on his dreams. “For one, Coahoma means everything to me. Coahoma was the only school to actually believe in me not only in football but academically as well.” Taylor continued by stating that the manner in which he was treated at CCC will stay with him forever. “One thing I could never forget is the coaches and the people around me believed in my ability to become the best version of myself. Coahoma is one place I could never forget,” said Taylor. Taylor had an astonishing two seasons at Coahoma, leaving his legacy on the hearts of Coahoma fans and a constant reminder to look forward to seeing him one day in the NFL. Taylor would leave Coahoma and continue his football career at the University of Colorado. The Buffaloes are currently leading the PAC-12 Conference this season and have always been a national force. Taylor said that Coahoma’s instruc-
