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Three-time state champion David Taylor's wrestling style resembles the intensity of a cyclone. So it makes sense that the Graham High School senior would become one.

The Falcons' celebrated dynamo recently committed to wrestle for Iowa State University, reuniting him with legendary grappler Cael Sanderson, the Cyclones' head coach.

For Taylor, 124-2 in his high school career and the nation's top-ranked 112-pounder, Iowa State was a natural choice.

"It fits my style, and it fits me as a person," Taylor said on Monday, June 23. "It's the best place for me and my future, where I can be the best I can be."

Sanderson had the inside track on Taylor from the beginning.

"His dad was actually one of my first coaches, so I know the Sanderson family," said Taylor about his youth wrestling days in his home state of Wyoming. "They are really good people. I know what they are like outside of wrestling.

"I kind of wanted to go to Iowa State from the beginning, then I forced myself to look at other schools."

There was a lot of pressure to go to Ohio State.

"I knew a lot of the people who go to Ohio State," said Taylor, who also considered Oklahoma State. "I like them, and I like the coaching staff. I just felt Iowa State was best for my future."

That had a lot had to do with Sanderson — the only wrestler ever to finish his college career as an undefeated four-time NCAA champ and 2004 Olympic champion. In 2007, he took over his alma mater's program and led the team to a runner-up finish, nationally.

The Cyclones were fifth this year, but return six All-American wrestlers.

"It's kind of hard to explain," said Taylor when asked what was so special about Sanderson. "One thing I like about it is he wrestles very hard and is a great wrestler, but at the same time, he has fun. It's a really good balance, and that's what attracted me."

Taylor, 46-0 as a junior, is just glad the process is over.

"It was really hard for me," he said. "This is probably the biggest decision I've come to in my life. It was really stressful. When I decided where I wanted to go, I was very relieved."

But he's not letting up. His plan is to redshirt his first year.

"I'm a late grower," said Taylor, who wrestled 112 in March but has shot up to 140 pounds. "This will give me a year to catch up.

"There's still a long ways to go," he continued. "I've still got at least eight years of wrestling, and the 2016 Olympics is my goal."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.