SOUTH POINT — Corey Taylor is coming from a smaller high school to a smaller college, and he’s bringing some good success in hopes of even bigger success.

The South Point Pointers senior center will take his talent and success to the University of Rio Grande next fall as signing a letter-of-intent Thursday.

“It’s a nice school and it’s small, but I know it’s still going to be tough,” said Taylor.

“I’ll play jayvees and I think I have a good chance to move up. I have to practice as hard as I can and get bigger and stronger. I think I’ll get better as I get older.”

Rio Grande head coach Ken French agreed with his latest recruit’s assessment.

“He has the ability to matriculate through our program. It’s up to him how he works and dedicates himself,” said French. “He knows how to play. The biggest thing he needs is strength.”

Taylor was virtually a double-double player all season for the Pointers. The 6-foot-3 senior average 9.5 points and 9.4 rebounds including tournament play.

Taylor was a key factor in helping the Pointers put together an unbeaten regular season at 20-0 and winning the Ohio Valley Conference championship.

Ironically, Taylor’s father, Randy, was a member of the only other unbeaten South Point team in 1972.

“Character-wise and discipline-wise he fits in. He comes from a good program,” said French.

“If he can defend and rebound, and the quicker he buys into that the quicker he will move up the ladder and excel.”

South Point coach Gary Norris said Taylor proved to be a good defender and rebounder this past season and expects him to continue his style at the college level.

“Corey’s most positive aspect is he works to hard. He improved tremendously,” said Norris.

“He would neutralize the opponent’s big kid. He rebounded well for us. He’s a physical kid. He doesn’t mind the contact.”

Taylor understands things will be different at Rio Grande, but he’s confident he can make the transition.

“I’ll probably play forward and I can tell I have to get in better shape. I think I’ll be able to move up after next year,” said Taylor.

Corey is the son of Debbie and Randy Taylor of South Point.

“I’m very proud of my son. He puts great effort in everything he does,” said Debbie Taylor.

“Corey averaged a double-double all year, but I’m more proud of his 3.5 grade point average,” said Randy Taylor.