Junior defensive back Taylor Fann has been an important piece of the Pirates defense over the past two seasons. Recently, the McKinney native had a chance to sit down and speak with Tony Baldwin, assistant sports information director, about how he decided on Southwestern University and his role on the team.
Baldwin: What attracted you to Southwestern?
Fann: I was trying to find a really good academic school. The football aspect was a plus and an added benefit to what Southwestern offered. It's always been a dream of mine to play college football. But, I've always wanted to get a top-notch education, as well. I want to do something in the medical field. Southwestern has a great reputation for its biology and science programs.
Baldwin: In high school, you were a wide receiver until moving to the defensive side of the ball as a junior. What brought on the change to defensive back?
Fann: There was an opening in the secondary in high school. My head coach told me that I could compete for the spot and I was all for it. The summer of my junior year was the turning point of my career as an athlete. I knew I had to really work hard to make the change.
Baldwin: Can you explain your responsibilities as a safety for the Pirate football team?
Fann: My duty is more associated with a free safety position. I am looking at half-field coverage. I concentrate on not getting beat deep. There are times were I will come up and play press coverage on the slot receiver, concentrating on not letting them inside and being physical with my hands. When I am in half-field coverage, I am reading the quarterback's eyes.
Baldwin: In practice you are standing across from some talented wide receivers. Which of the Pirate receivers is the toughest to line up against?
Fann: Matt Gillen and Micah Sherman. They always keep you guessing with where they are going to go. They always keep their options open while running a route.
Baldwin: One of your roommates, AJ McCort, recently switched from defensive back to wide receiver, and he scored the first touchdown on a 45-yard pass in last week's game against East Texas Baptist. Are you surprised at his immediate impact on the offensive side of the ball?
Fann: It was great to see. They ran that exact play in practice and it had the same result. It was cool to see that transition on the field during a game. I'm happy for him that he scored the touchdown.
Baldwin: Who was your childhood idol?
Fann: It's my dad. It's always been my dad. He's the role model that I wish I could be. He's a great family man. My parents have always been supportive of me. My dad is my hero.
Baldwin: How do you relax away from football?
Fann: I like to listen to music and work out. I value my alone time. I like to look at articles on the computer and check Facebook.
Baldwin: If you could have a cameo in any TV show, which one would you choose?
Fann: My favorite TV show is Arrow (airs on the CW) because it's about superheroes. They do a lot of stunts in the show and I think it would be cool to have a part in it.
– SOUTHWESTERN –