ELIJAH TAYLOR
Cincinnati, OH
Measurables: 6'3", 275 lbs.
Accolades: First-team AP All-State, Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star, first-team All-District, Top 300 player per Tom Lemming and Scout, All-USA Ohio team.
Other Impressive Offers: Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Michigan State
Projected Position: Defensive Tackle
Quick Take: Taylor might need some additional time in the weight room, but he’s a potential run-stopper in the middle of the Irish defense. A thick bottomed, power player in the trenches, Taylor was a recruit coveted by some big programs.
He’s not going to jump off the screen necessarily, but he’s the type of player desperately needed at any program, and will be especially helpful as the Irish look for answers behind Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day.
What he means to the Irish: He might be the lone true two-gap player in this recruiting class. He’s not expected to be a pass rushing threat, but he will be able to anchor up front and read and react. As close to a nose guard as they come, and someone who will allow the Irish to slide in and out of three-man fronts as his career progresses.
Obligatory YouTube Clip: Here’s a quick look at some senior highlights from Taylor’s season at Archbishop Moeller.
***