NAOTB: Taylor Jernigan

Each week, McKinzie Green of 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.

This week Green chats with San Antonio product Taylor Jernigan, who has three goals on the season--including a brace against Texas Southern.

At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?

It was a little early in my junior year, towards the end of the actual calendar year. I’d been talking to A&M for a little while and they showed interest. It was really close to family and home and the academics here are great. So, I decided this was the place for me. 

How different is the speed of play in college compared to high school?

It’s significantly faster and a lot more physical. It takes a while to get acclimated to the new environment you’re putting yourself in, but over time you really get used to it.

How was it playing in front of the 12th Man for the first time?

It was such an experience, even when it’s not our busiest days, we have so many fans because there are a lot of people who really care about Aggie soccer. 

What’s been the hardest transition from high school to college?

As any college student would say, making friends and finding a place where you feel comfortable. Luckily, I had sports and people that you can easily get along with. The girls here are amazing, but still, it takes a lot of time to warm up to people.

What do you think are your best soccer attributes?

I’m strong and I’m pretty fast. I think a lot when it comes to playing the game. I analyze a lot and figure out what the best runs to make are, where to go, and where to be.

What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?

I played for the YMCA, and I just remember being so excited to dress up in my little bows and go out there and play and chase the ball. I wasn’t good, but it was fun.

What did you like about A&M on your visit?

The community here is so amazing. You won’t meet a person that won’t hold the door open for you when you walk through, and people are always willing to say Howdy. I think that’s one of the greatest parts about the community here. 

What’s your favorite thing about being in Aggieland so far?

Honestly the people, especially my team. That’s who I hang out with the most and they’re just such a joy to be around. I can’t imagine surrounding myself with anybody else.

When did you realize soccer was something that you wanted to do long term?

Once I was done having fun and it started getting a little bit harder, I really took a moment to think about if I wanted to keep doing this. When the answer was yes, I figured out that soccer was something that I wanted to do for a long time. 

What have the coaches been working on with you for your own player development?

When I first got here in the spring, one thing I lacked a little bit was confidence. That type of thing gets better over time. I think I’ve really hit a point now where I’m really confident in myself in the way that I play. I feel like my confidence is showcased pretty well when I get the chance to play.

Who would you say is your biggest soccer inspiration?

I’ve got to go with some of the young players like Jude Bellingham and Lewis Hall. It’s so amazing to see young people be great and I think it’s a big achievement. It’s also very inspiring to a lot of young athletes as well. 

How did it feel to score your first career goal against Grambling State?

It was such a surge of excitement. People came and hugged me, and it felt like an accomplishment. It was a very exciting moment, and the team really backed me on that. It felt nice.