Taylor Upshaw’s decision to start playing football as a junior in 2016 has turned out to be a great one.

Just one game into his first season of organized football, the Bradenton (Fla.) Braden River High defensive end received his first scholarship offer from South Florida on Sept. 5. Since then, he has added offers from California, Navy, Northwestern, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Central Florida and Vanderbilt.

Schools have quickly recognized Upshaw’s natural ability and upside, and thus his recruitment has picked up fast.

Upshaw has had to adjust to life as a college football recruit, but he’s enjoying the ride the recruiting process has taken him on.

“It’s been pretty smooth,” Upshaw told The Clemson Insider. “Still learning a lot of new things every visit but for the most part it’s been pretty fun.”

Fortunately for Upshaw, he is surrounded by a strong support system and people who know a thing or two about the game.

His dad, Regan Upshaw, was an All-American defensive end at California and played nine years in the NFL with five different teams after being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 12th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.

And Taylor’s brother, Regan Upshaw Jr., is a preferred walk-on at Clemson in his freshman year.

Taylor said the two have been a big help to him.

“My dad helps me out when it comes to dominating at the D-end position,” Upshaw said, “and my brother has gave me insight on what it’s like to be a student-athlete at the next level.”

Along with the schools that have offered, Taylor said he is hearing a lot from Oklahoma, Texas and Nebraska.

Taylor attended Clemson’s game against Pittsburgh in November, and Clemson’s staff has also expressed interest in the past, bringing up the idea of a potential grayshirt offer.

He’s open to the possibility, but would be thrilled if a typical offer from the Tigers comes his way.

“It would mean a lot,” he said. “To have the opportunity to play on the same team as my brother would be a dream come true.”

Taylor had wanted to play football for a while, but felt he wasn’t physically or mentally ready to do so until last season.

Now, after beginning his football journey, he has learned a lot and is excited for what the future holds.

“I’ve learned that I have to just keep working to become the best player I can be,” Taylor said. “I’m looking forward to destroying my competition my senior season. I know I will, I’ve been working very hard.”