Mississippi State 4-star QB commit Kamario Taylor is ready to compete in the Elite 11 Finals

After a strong performance at the Elite 11 Atlanta Regional, KaMario Taylor earned an invite to the finals this week in Los Angeles. It won’t be his first time in southern California, but this time it won’t be about relaxing on the beach, but about competing and taking care of business.

“I am coming in there with a chip on my shoulder,” Taylor told On3. “It was great to get the invite and it tells me I can compete with the best in the country, so now I want to show what I can do. I want to showcase my ability, compete with the best and come out of there as one of the best in the country.”

The Mississippi State commit knows a little about the history of the Elite 11 Finals. He knows some of the quarterbacks that competed before him. He is excited about working with the staff, learning and soaking it all in.

“I just want to get better at my consistency. My footwork can improve, my overall game can always get better, so I want to listen to the coaches, see what they show me and try to make my game better. That is one of my goals.”

Taylor called it an “honor” to be selected to compete in the finals this week. He will be there with 19 other talented signal callers competing in the same drills and the No. 190 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking out of Macon (Miss.) Noxubee County knows he belongs.

“I feel I am one of the best quarterbacks,” Taylor said. “I can always get better, but this is something I earned. Being from Mississippi is different, and we don’t get talked about like some others, so I am ready to go out there and do my best. Hopefully, that ends up being the best out there. I know it will be fun and I look forward to the coaching and competing with all the guys.”

Taylor is committed to Mississippi State, but keeping an ‘open mind’

Taylor committed to the previous coaching staff in Starkville back in November, but he has stayed solid since Jeff Lebby took over. The Bulldogs still sit on top of his list.

“The atmosphere, the fans and the new coaching staff excite me about Mississippi State,” Taylor said. “They have great fans and it will be fun to play in an atmosphere like that.

“I have been over there more than 10 times. I like coach Lebby, the new staff and what their plan is. Coach Lebby is a dynamic coach, he is an offensive guy and we are connecting about every day right now. I still feel strong about my commitment.”

Taylor is likely to take his official visit during the season.

Auburn has been reaching out. He has had conversations with Ole Miss as well, but UCF looks to be Mississippi State’s top competition. Taylor visited Orlando earlier this month and it opened his eyes.

“After my official visit to UCF, it changed my perspective of them and the program. It is all about the coaches down there. They really like me, they showed me a great time and I have some interest in them.

“I am still committed to Mississippi State, but UCF is coming hard. It is a school I am looking at.”