Student-Athlete Spotlight – Taylor Decker, Football – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 16, 2015
When it comes to offensive linemen in college football, Taylor Decker is at the top of the food chain. At 6 feet 8 inches and 315 pounds, Decker is a physically intimidating matchup for any defensive end lining up opposite the Buckeyes’ senior captain. Off the field, Decker is cultivating experiences that may explain his beast-like mentality on the field.
The preseason All-American is studying animal sciences, a unique choice for a big-time college football player. Decker initially planned on majoring in exercise science, but ultimately decided on pursuing a career working with animals upon entering Ohio State.
“It’s not like I grew up on a farm, I just had a general interest in [animals],” Decker said. “Getting into the major, the classes and having different opportunities within it, I’ve just really enjoyed the experience. When football is over, I’ll have something I enjoy doing.”
One of those opportunities was an internship this past summer with the Columbus Zoo. Decker worked with animal programs in the promotions department, which travels locally and nationally to promote the Columbus Zoo and conservation efforts. Jack Hanna’s appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman are a great example of the type of work the department takes on.
While Decker was not able to travel nationally with the department because of summer practices and weightlifting, he was heavily involved with local initiatives for the zoo.
“We would take animals out in the community and host educational programs and raise animal conservation awareness,” Decker said. “We would bring animals to libraries and elementary schools and educate the public.”
A lot of the animals Decker worked with, he explained, were either endangered or rare to see in the wild. Decker had the opportunity to work with the rare snow leopards and clouded leopards, of which there are less than 300 in the wild today.
“It was a really cool experience,” Decker said. “I fed full grown cheetahs by hand. I put meat in my hand,” as he holds out his hand in front of him and slaps an imaginary slab of meat on top of it. “They ate right out of it.”
This experience might prove intimidating for the average person, but not for the mammoth-sized offensive linemen.
“It really wasn’t intimidating,” Decker said casually. “Cheetahs are skittish by nature because in their natural habitat they’re not the top of the food chain, so they prefer to run away.”
One thing is clear: the Buckeyes’ offensive linemen are not skittish by nature. Led by Decker, the foundation for the offensive unit has helped the Buckeyes become an efficient machine, scoring 49 points in their last outing against Rutgers and opening up lanes in the run game for Ezekiel Elliott and others.
Whether Decker is working with tigers, snow leopards or cheetahs, the standout offensive lineman is on the prowl for another championship run, keeping his fellow Buckeyes humble and hungry.
