Jaden "JT" Taylor began as a Student Assistant Football Coach (Defensive Assistant) at UT Permian Basin in Fall 2026.
Taylor was a middle school football and basketball coach/staff member at Midland Christian School.
Taylor was also a former defensive end and running back for the Midland High School Bulldogs who earned District 2-6A All-District honorable mention recognition as a defensive lineman during his senior season in 2022. He was noted by local media for his strong pass-rushing abilities and disciplined defense on the gridiron.
Midland High senior defensive end Jaden Taylor is described as a great kid who exemplifies what the Bulldogs are about, according to head coach Thad Fortune. Taylor is a matchup problem for offenses with his play on defense, he serves on the Bulldogs’ Leadership Council, and he even gives back to the community by helping out with physical education classes at Bowie Fine Arts Academy.
Taylor originally came up as a running back in the Bulldogs’ program but was moved to the defensive side when Fortune and his coaching staff took over in 2021. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Taylor embraced the move. “Anything that helps the team out, I will do it,” Taylor said. “I had to learn how to tackle again. It was a big difference from running touchdowns to getting your hand in the dirt and getting dirty because you have to get dirty with the big o-line.” Fortune says Taylor stands out with his speed, quickness, and athleticism at the end spot. “He’s so explosive and so fast that he’s able to make things tough on a defense,” Fortune said of Taylor. Taylor said he has thrived at his new position because he listens to the advice of co-defensive coordinator Eric Jonas, who stresses him to be explosive through the gap and to play low and fast.
Taylor is the area chapter president for a state student organization called Texas Association of Future Educators. Taylor’s career goal is to be a teacher and a coach, and he’s already well ahead of schedule. He helps teach P.E. classes for first, second and fourth graders at Bowie Fine Arts Academy. “It’s just fun being around the little ones and helping them out,” Taylor said. “Teach them how to play sports and stuff like that. Playing sports with them.” “I’ve seen him around the kids, the kids love him,” Fortune said. “He works at the (YMCA). He’s just a real neat kid and he has really grown and matured in the last year and a half in our program and turned into a good defensive lineman who we rely on a lot to get after the quarterback.”
Taylor was also one of the nine players selected to serve on the Bulldogs Leadership Council, which is also referred to as Dawg Nine. Taylor said the nine players have an important role in motivating and inspiring the younger players. “We set the tempo,” Taylor said. “If we don’t set the tempo then practice is going to be off, so we’ve got to set the tempo.” Fortune says Taylor earned his status on the team with his hard work in the weight room. “He’s just a great kid to be around,” Fortune said. “He’s just got a great spirit about him. He’ll joke around with you but then he works hard when he’s supposed to work hard. He responds to coaching.”
