Ramonce Taylor talks Texas, Derion Gullette, Jaray Bledsoe
Axtell, Texas – Ramonce Taylor remains one of the most electrifying and talented offensive players that has suited up for the Texas Longhorns in the last two decades.
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Taylor is one of the most decorated athletes ever from Belton High, where he won 5A State Titles in 2003 and 2004 in the long jump, dominated on Friday nights on the gridiron, and averaged 22 points per game in basketball. He left Belton High with career bests of 10.23 in the 100 meters, 25’1″ in the long jump and 48’5″ in the triple jump.
Taylor is now coaching football and track at Marlin High, a school that produced Texas signee Jaray Bledsoe in the 2022 cycle, and features On3 Consensus four-star Derion Gullette in 2023.
Inside Texas caught up with Taylor at the area Qualifier track meet at Axtell High on Tuesday.
You played with some great talent, and you were one yourself. What have you seen from Derion Gullette and Jaray Bledsoe that is similar?
Ramonce Taylor: It’s great seeing the growth and talent of guys like Derion, and then just helping them achieve their dreams as far as playing on the next level. Jaray was having a pretty good spring before the surgery he just had. I’m looking forward to seeing the decision Derion makes. I like the way he competes, and the upside. If he gets out of the stutter step, and gets off the board, he can at least go 23-feet. To carry all that weight in the air is amazing to see.
What is your prevailing thought and memory from the national championship season?
Taylor: Obviously, scoring in the national championship game is one. Just that team unity. Vince being our team leader, and following his lead. We still have a great brotherhood to this day, and I think that was key in us being that good. We had team chemistry.
You were one of the best pure athletes Mack Brown recruited to Texas. When did you realize that you had something different?
Taylor: I think I went into Texas with a little chip on my shoulder. I had one of the assistant coaches in high school tell me that I may have a tough time playing at Texas. When I got there, I knew I belonged and could help the team win.
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When you have watched Texas the last decade, what are your thoughts as a player that was there when the Longhorns were great?
Taylor: Oh man. Nowadays with social media and all the crazy stuff, these kids mind frame isn’t the same. The chip on their shoulder isn’t the same, and what they are representing.
You guys had a lot of great players and team unity with a lot of NFL talent. Was there anything else that made you guys different as a team?
Taylor: The talent was crazy all over the field. The thing is we competed against each other in practice every day. I went to the practice recently, and it’s just changed. The way guys compete against each other has just changed. We were going to have four or five fights on the field, but we went back to the locker room and hugged. I think that’s the difference right now, is kids learning how to compete against each other. And make each other better.
What did you see from Jaray Bledsoe at the practice you attended?
Taylor: Bledsoe looks real good. Just understanding some stuff, his motor playing a little bit faster. Along with the quarterback, No. 3. Same with him, seeing him play a little faster. Coach Sark, from what I have seen, is doing a damn good job. I can’t wait to see what the season will bring.
Taylor was one of college football’s most explosive players in 2005. He rushed for 513 yards (6.8 per carry) with 12 touchdowns, caught 27 passes for 265 yards and three scores, and returned 15 kickoffs for 441 yards.
