Taylor’s year-over-year improvements have been nothing short of remarkable. Now a sophomore, he’s transformed those foundational tools into polished skills, particularly in pass protection—a critical area for any lineman aspiring to play at the NCAA level. One of the most noticeable advancements is in his stance. What was once a bit upright and narrow has evolved into a much-improved, balanced setup that allows him to explode out of his crouch with better leverage. This adjustment has paid dividends in both run blocking and pass pro, where he now maintains a lower pad level to anchor against bull rushes. Complementing that is his quicker feet, a direct result of focused agility drills and speed training in the offseason. I’ve seen footage from Phillips’ games and camps where Taylor mirrors rushers with lateral quickness that belies his 270-pound frame.

His base in pass protection has also seen significant enhancement. Previously, Taylor could get narrow and lose balance under pressure, but he’s developed a better, wider base that provides stability and power. This allows him to absorb contact and redirect edge speed without getting turned or beaten inside. College coaches take note: In an era where spread offenses demand versatile linemen, Taylor’s improved base makes him a promising fit for schemes that emphasize quick passes and RPO elements. Finally, his hand placement has improved dramatically, shifting from passive grabs to active, independent punches that stun defenders at the point of attack. This technical tweak—likely honed through film study and coaching—has reduced holding penalties and increased his effectiveness in sustaining blocks. Taylor represents a high-upside project—invest in him early, and you could have a multi-year starter who dominates the trenches. High school coaches might look to his development as a model for their own linemen, emphasizing stance work, foot drills, and hand technique in practice plans.

Zach was a bright star at this event. He moves well for his size and has active independent hands. His feet are quick and he plays with a wide base. Lots to like with this young lineman.

Prospect Highlight Film Evaluation: Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor 6'6" | 305 lbs | OL/DL Phillips Academy | 2028 State New E
Overview: Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor 6'6" | 305 lbs | OL/DL Phillips Academy | 2028 State New E , an impressive 2028 prospect from the Moses Brown School in Rhode Island, stands at 6’4” and weighs in at 270 pounds, showcasing a solid foundation for development at the collegiate level.
Season Highlights: In his recent fall season, Zachary has displayed an exceptional ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. His highlight film reveals consistent aggressiveness as he effectively engages and overpowers high school defenders, demonstrating a knack for knocking opponents to the ground. Notably, Zachary excels in run blocking, regularly getting to the second level and creating opportunities for ball carriers.
Technical Skills: He exhibits excellent balance and rarely finds himself on the ground, which speaks to his capability to maintain control during plays. Zachary plays with impressive pad level, utilizing good knee bends to maintain leverage. His natural wide base further contributes to his strength and stability on the field. Additionally, he showcases strong pass protection skills, displaying the ability to set, slide, and mirror defenders, as well as connecting with moving targets downfield.
Conclusion: As Zachary heads into his sophomore season, verifiable details about his height, weight, and speed will be crucial for elevating his recruitment profile. With continued development, Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor 6'6" | 305 lbs | OL/DL Phillips Academy | 2028 State New E has the potential to become a valuable asset on the offensive line at the next level.
For more, check out his highlight film: Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor 6'6" | 305 lbs | OL/DL Phillips Academy | 2028 State New E Highlight Film.