Former Academy Player D.J. Taylor Returns To Sign With North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC has signed former Capital Area RailHawks Academy member D.J. Taylor to a professional contract for the remainder of the 2017 NASL season, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per club policy, further details on the deal were not released.
 
“D.J. is someone we’ve known about for some time,” North Carolina head coach Colin Clarke said. “He’s come back home now and we’re glad to say he’s chosen this place to mature, grow, and develop as a player. Like you’ve seen in the game against Swansea City, he’s a kid with a lot of talent and we’re delighted to have him. It’s what we’re all about, having our local players come up through NCFC Youth with a pathway to the professional ranks.”
 
Taylor becomes just the second former academy member to sign a professional contract with the first team, joining Dre Fortune. He most recently started in North Carolina FC’s international exhibition against Swansea City AFC as a guest player. The speedy right back showcased his two-way ability in the match, defending well and getting into the club's attack from the flanks.
 
“It’s amazing to be back in my hometown, representing my city that I've grown up with, and I’m excited to play this season with NCFC,” Taylor said. “I’m going to work hard, and give everything I have into the game and to the team.”
 
The right back is a Raleigh, N.C., native and played in the academy system from 2012-15. Taylor also earned time with the United States U-18 national team in 2015. He appeared in two matches and scored one goal at the Copa Chivas Tournament.
 
Following his academy career, Taylor signed an amateur contract with the club in May of 2015. Taylor did not appear in a match, but trained with the first team before moving to Spain, where he played with FC Torre Levante of the Tercera Division the last two seasons.