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One of the major dominoes in the class of 2017 has fallen as Dynamo’s Michael Taylor has committed to swim for Gregg Troy’s University of Florida Gators. Taylor is the top backstroker in the class and already one of the best of any age in the country.
Taylor has been an impact name on the Junior National circuit for several years before really distinguishing himself at Olympic Trials in June. There, Taylor clocked a 53.77 in the semifinals of the 100 back and then a 1:56.78 in the 200-meter distance. In the two finals, he finished fifth and seventh, respectively.
His yards times in the backstroke events (47.17 in the 100 back and 1:41.94 in the 200 back) would not have scored at NCAAs last year, but he figures to have major time drops coming after his breakout summer in the big pool.
Taylor will add to what is already a loaded Gators’ roster under longtime coach Gregg Troy. Next season will be Caeleb Dressel‘s final year swimming in college, and the team also will feature Jan Switkowski, Maxime Rooney and Mark Szaranek. Jack Blyzinskyj, Florida’s top backstroker a season ago, will graduate this spring, and Taylor figures to fill those shoes nicely.
Taylor could eventually challenge Florida’s school records in the backstroke races, but he will be chasing a Gators legend. Both of those marks both belong to Ryan Lochte, set during the final meet of his brilliant NCAA career. At Florida, Lochte posted a 44.60 in the 100 back and a 1:37.68 in the 200-yard event.
To report a verbal commitment email HS@swimmingworld.com.
The Gatora couldn’t keep Ryan Murphy home in the Sunshine state but this kid’s a worthy substitute.
He’ll have just finished his junior season in the Swamp come the Tokyo Trials and he could be a strong contender for an Olympic berth. The Gators have had one Olympic backstroke champ (Martin Zubero, 200 @. Barcelona in ’92) and Taylor could be the second — if not Tokyo then four years later in Paris? LA? Budaoest?
Love when the Georgia kids pick Florida!
Michael Taylor? Congrats bro