The holiday weekend is almost over and news has been slow, but my excitement for the coming season is rising. I received my glossy season preview from Gold & Black Illustrated in the mail on Friday and I love a lot of what coach Hazell has been saying. I am a big fan of the improved attitude around the entire program he is bringing and I am definitely starting to think there could be some big surprises this season.
In the meantime, the countdown continues with a player who is the son of one of the most famous linebackers of all-time.
Brandon Taylor - Sr.
Aventura, Florida (Dr. Krop HS)
6'1", 295 pounds
Defensive Tackle
2013 Projection: Starter at defensive tackle
Brandon Taylor has a great football background. I have driven past his high school down in Miami and it is in the shadow of Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphin(s)/LandShark/SunLife Stadium. His father is also the famous Lawrence Taylor, an NFL Hall of Famer who was one of the most feared defenders to ever play the game.
Brandon has been a productive player since committing for the 2009 season and redshirting that year. In 2010 he played in 10 games, starting two, and had four tackles, one being a sack. As a redshirt sophomore in 2011 he had a great year, starting seven of the 13 games he played in and notching 19 tackles with another sack. He also recovered a fumble on the goal line for a touchdown against Iowa on November 19. That makes him one of three returning defensive players (the others being Ricardo Allen and Landon Feichter) that has scored a touchdown.
Last season injuries hampered Brandon, as he only played in nine games with 11 tackles and half a sack. The ankle sprain that caused him trouble led to offseason surgery and he missed spring practice. He will now likely be in the rotation as a starter next to Bruce Gaston, and his experience will play a big role in 2013.