Taylor Powell is making waves in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in his role as a quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. While he may be a relatively fresh face in the CFL, his experience and achievements speak volumes about his capabilities.
Powell’s football journey has been a unique one. Hailing from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Powell had a stellar high school career, leading his team to consecutive Class 7A state championships in 2015 and 2016. He made a big splash as a late recruit for Missouri, starting his collegiate football career on a high note.
While at the University of Missouri from 2017 to 2019, Powell played in 15 games, completing 35 of 76 pass attempts (46 percent), and scoring one touchdown. However, it was during his subsequent time at Troy University in 2021, and then at Eastern Michigan University in 2022 that Powell truly started to shine.
His 2021 season at Troy University saw him play six games, completing 125-of-189 passes (66.1 percent) for 1,251 yards, throwing seven touchdowns, and six interceptions. His performance earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top three quarterbacks through the first three weeks by Pro Football Focus.
However, Powell’s most impressive collegiate season was arguably in 2022 at Eastern Michigan University. Powell played nine games, completing 174 of 269 pass attempts (64.6 percent) for 2,111 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His stellar performance earned him a Manning Award as a “Star of the Week” (Nov. 21), and the Eastern Football’s E-Gridiron Group Offensive Newcomer of the Year, among other accolades.
After signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in May 2023, Powell made his presence felt in the CFL. In his first career CFL throw against the Edmonton Elks, he landed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Tim White, and finished the game with two-of-four pass attempts for 47 yards and one touchdown.
Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 207 pounds, Powell’s size, combined with his impressive skills and the experience gained over his college years, certainly places him as a player to watch in the CFL.
Throughout his football journey, Taylor Powell has shown resilience, adapting to new environments and consistently improving his game. The journey from Arkansas to Missouri, then to Troy, Eastern Michigan, and now the CFL, is a testament to Powell’s dedication and talent. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and their fans are undoubtedly excited to see what he will bring to the table in the 2023 CFL season and beyond.
