Gabriel Taylor
Nickerson High School
By Angela Brunk
Gabriel Taylor, a senior at Nickerson High School, enters his final football season with unfinished business and a fire to prove just how far he’s come. As a middle linebacker and right offensive guard, Taylor brings toughness and leadership to both sides of the ball. These qualities have been shaped both by perseverance and passion for the game.
His personal motto is simple but powerful, “Be better than yesterday.” Whether battling fatigue, illness, or setbacks, Taylor shows up with the determination to outwork the version of himself from the day before. “It doesn’t matter how tired I am or how sick, I always try to out-show myself,” he says.
For the team, unity is the priority. “We want to play more like a team this year,” Taylor says. “If someone messes up a play, we line back up and give it everything we’ve got.” And, of course, the goal is to win games.
When it comes to games he’s looking forward to, Taylor doesn’t choose the easy ones. “I’m really looking forward to playing Andale. I want to see how much better we’ve gotten as a team.” he says.
After missing most of last season due to a concussion, Taylor is eager to make his mark as he shared his absence could have changed the outcome of some games. Some younger teammates were forced to play on varsity who didn’t have the experience, and it didn’t give the younger players time to develop.
Taylor also competes in wrestling and track and hopes to continue his football journey at the collegiate level. With his work ethic and mindset, Taylor will show colleges this season what he is all about.
