In-depth coverage leading up to the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
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THE BASICS
Name: Taylor Kemp
Position: DEF
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 153 lbs.
College: Maryland
Class: Senior
Citizenship: United States
BACKGROUND
Kemp saw action in just 12 matches for the Terrapins in 2012 due to injury, but managed to supply a career-high six assists for the College Cup semi-finalists to earn a spot on the All-ACC Second Team. As a four-year starter for Maryland, Kemp provided an offensive punch from the backline to tally two goals and 16 assists while helping the Terps to 35 shutouts during his collegiate career.
FITTING WITH THE CREW
Brian Bliss and Robert Warzycha have made it clear since the 2012 season ended: the Crew needs defensive help this offseason, especially on the left side. Assuming his injury woes are behind him, Kemp is the best leftback prospect in this year's SuperDraft. If chosen by the Black & Gold, Kemp would immediately compete for a starting spot in the Crew backline.
BLISS' TAKE
"[Kemp] has been one of the best leftbacks the ACC has produced in the last five to seven years. I'd cut him out of the mold of a Todd Dunivant-type at LA. He's very steady in the back, but he's a very attack-minded back coming forward rather than a defender coming forward. He's an attacking guy that can defend. I think he's got good upside. The downside is that he missed a lot of the season with an injury and a lot of people kind of forgot about him. I think he'll be alright once the combine comes."
MOCK DRAFT PROJECTIONS
TopDrawerSoccer.com: 18th - Montreal Impact
Soccer By Ives: 17th - D.C. United
WVHooligan: 17th - D.C. United
