Name: Joe Taylor
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185 lbs.
High school: Chelsea (MI) Chelsea
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #39
Last year: I did not rank Taylor. He returned 2 kickoffs for 34 yards and made 6 tackles.
TTB Rating: N/A
Taylor came out of nowhere in 2022 to earn a steady role on special teams. After playing in just one game at running back as a true freshman in 2021, he moved to wide receiver. Then he managed to win a role as a deep guy on kickoffs, the guy who might just catch the ball if the other team manages to pooch kick or directional kick the ball to the right (most right-footed kickers pull the ball to their left). Reportedly one of the faster guys on the team, Taylor returned 2 kicks for 34 yards while also working on coverage units.
I don't mean to diminish that accomplishment, but Taylor's role(s) can probably be filled by several other receivers, running backs, and perhaps defensive backs. It also seems like those special teams roles can swing wildly from season to season. Maybe Taylor will reprise his role on special teams, and maybe he will be usurped by Cole Cabana or Fredrick Moore or Tyler Morris or someone we're not even considering right now.
Prediction: Backup wide receiver and special teamer
Lots of walk-ons still seeing the field, which is a good thing. Not just guys we must rely on, but MICHIGAN men who can be relied on
ReplyDeleteIt's refreshing
This role can be filled by others but Taylor's speed makes him an asset. I think it's less true for him than a few others ahead of him on this list, like Franklin.
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