Fans get some love from Taylor Swift guitarist before Jacksonville concert

Not since 1978 has country music fan Tim Young been so enthralled. Back then, it was Tanya Tucker. But even she doesnt match up, he said, to the reigning country star, Taylor Swift.

More than an hour before the Swift concert in Jacksonville on Friday night, Young was among a cluster of fans standing across the street from a back entrance to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, hoping to catch a glimpse of her and get an autograph. He had been there for about an hour, clutching tickets he won by singing White Horse on an Ocala radio station.

Other fans had been there for almost 12 hours, arriving as early as 6 a.m. with handmade signs and unwavering enthusiasm.

Check out more photos of Taylor Swift fans

Lead guitarist Grant Mickelson from Swifts band caused an extra rush of adrenaline when he came out to pose for photos and sign autographs.

I met Grant, I met Grant, I met Grant, exclaimed 16-year-old Huntlea Moore, barely able to catch her breath.

Her mom, Stacey Moore, said to calm down, but it was no use. If anything, her daughter became more excited, saying, How can I calm down? How?

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The Moores and a friend, 18-year-old Hailey Nichols, had been there since 10 a.m. after a seven-hour road trip from Prattville, Ala.

Ive never even met her, and I feel like we could be best friends, Huntlea Moore said of Swift. In unison, Nichols and Moore added, Shes just a genuinely good person.

The two teens became friends after meeting on a Swift fan website.

Check out even more photos from the concert

Dressed as a Hershey Kiss, Nichols said, Im the Last Kiss, like the song. Shes seen Swift live before and cant get enough.

Theres no possible way to be any better than her, she said.

She saved my life, in a way. It sounds creepy, but she did.

Nichols explained that she had an eating disorder, but has recovered thanks to Swifts music.

I was 13 years old when she came into my life, she said.

Without Swifts music, shes not sure when or if she would have sought treatment.

The song Tied Together With a Smile made her realize she had a major problem and needed help. She was trying so hard to appear OK, to smile, and it was all a front, she said. But with that challenge behind her, shes stronger and can focus on having the time of her life at a concert with her favorite country music star.

Im a very happy person now, she said.

heather.lovejoy@jacksonville.com,(904) 359-4539