Courtney Taylor attended Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Alabama where he was a three-sport athlete as a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. Courtney was the state high jump champion as a junior. On the basketball team he averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a junior. As a senior he average 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He was a three-year starter on the football team, playing both quarterback and cornerback. As a senior, Courtney had a combined 1,200 yards (passing and rushing) and threw 10 touchdown passes. On defense he totaled 76 tackles and 6 interceptions, helping Carrollton to a 10-2 record. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Auburn where he sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. He saw action in all 13 games the following season, starting 5 contests. He finished the season with 34 receptions for 379 yards. In the spring of 2004, Taylor was named the team’s “most improved offensive skill position player”. He went on to lead the team in receiving with 43 receptions. He set career highs in receiving yards (737) and receiving touchdowns (6). He was named honorable mention all-SEC for his play as a sophomore. Courtney had a down year as a junior. He saw action in 11 games, receiving 2 starts. He missed time with an ankle injury. He finished fourth on the team in receiving with 22 receptions for 278 yards and a touchdown. During the spring of 2005, Taylor received the Pat Dye Leadership award for offense and the most improved offensive skill player award. He rebounded to catch a career high 54 passes for 704 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season.

Courtney Taylor has a good deal of experience, being a major contributor in the Auburn passing game over the past four seasons. He has a good combination of size and athleticism for a receiver. He is a big, physical receiver who runs good route and has reliable hands. He is a tough player who isn’t afraid to go over the middle and make a difficult catch in traffic. He will take a hit and hold onto the football. He does a good job of using his size to put himself in position to make the catch. Taylor is also a pretty good blocker. Courtney lacks great timed speed and won’t make many plays down the field. He may have trouble gaining separation against faster defensive backs at the next level. He will drop some catchable balls at times and he isn’t very elusive after the catch. As a junior, Taylor had a high ankle sprain that lingered with him for the entire season, but other than that he hasn’t had any major injuries. Courtney Taylor is a fine short to intermediate range receiver who could make a good possession receiver at the next level. He has a good deal of upside and could be selected on the first day in the 2007 NFL draft.