Paralyzed Georgia Bulldog Johnathan Taylor Drafted by Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers made a symbolic draft choice yesterday. The Rangers drafted paralyzed Georgia Bulldog Johnathan Taylor. Taylor has been paralyzed since breaking his neck in a collision on March 6^th against Florida State. The Rangers selected Taylor in the 33^rd round.

Ranger's Director of Amateur Scouting has this to say about the draft choice:

"He's a great kid and he's going through a terrible time in his life and we thought this would be something to uplift him. I've seen the kid play since high school, he was a great player at Georgia." -ESPN.com

The Rangers then selected Zach Cone in the 37^th round. Cone is one of Taylor’s closest friends and the player whom Taylor collided with to lead to his paralysis.

Cone had this to say about the Rangers drafting Taylor:

"That's like one of my best friends. For them to do that shows a lot about this organization. It means so much to him and our families. He's getting better every day." -ESPNDallas.com

Georgia Head Coach David Perno spoke out about the Rangers in a statement released by the university:

"This was truly a classy move and a great gesture on the part of the Texas Rangers organization. J.T. is definitely a player worthy of getting drafted. He's been a big part of our program, and we are all very excited for him. When I talked to him after he got the call, he was in the middle of his rehabilitation work, laughing and having a good time and was thrilled to be drafted."

The Texas Rangers organization is highly involved in the Special Olympics and it is expected Taylor will play a part in their involvement.