Elon football has added a third member to its 2027 recruiting class. The Phoenix landed Virginia Beach playmaker Tayjon “Tay” Palmer, who committed to Tony Trisciani’s program over the weekend.
Palmer plays cornerback and wide receiver for Green Run High. He’s listed at 6-2, 175 pounds. Green Run finished 12-1 in 2025, advancing to the third round of the Virginia state playoffs after an undefeated regular season.
What stands out about Palmer is the number of Division I programs that extended offers. Palmer does not have a star ranking with either 247Sports or Rivals, but his offer sheet includes 17 schools in all, including Pittsburgh and Syracuse from the ACC, as well as ECU, Memphis, Temple and Navy from the American.
Palmer’s commitment reflects a recent trend for Elon under Trisciani. The Phoenix have become adept at landing prospects with FBS interest, not just filling out a class. Multiple starters from Elon’s 2025 team transferred to Power Four programs, including quarterback Landen Clark, who left for LSU after earning CAA co-Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Palmer is the second Virginia commit in Elon’s 2027 class. Defensive lineman Damari Hawkins from Benedictine College Prep in Richmond committed in April. Wilson Fike quarterback Samuel Finch joined the class last week.
Elon may not be done with Green Run High prospects. Mahlek Marsh, a 6-5 and 300-pound offensive/defensive lineman, plans to announce his college decision on June 25. Marsh has Elon listed in his top five, per his social media, along with James Madison, UConn, North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T.
2027 Recruiting tracker: NC Football News is tracking players committed to North Carolina’s FBS and FCS programs throughout the 2027 cycle.
