JUCO DL Brien Taylor signs with Florida Gators
Name: Brien Taylor
Class: 2024
Position: EDGE
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 290 pounds
Location/School: Houston (Texas) Blinn Community College
Signed with: Florida Gators
Additional Offers: Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, Oregon and others.
On3 Junior-College Industry Ranking: No. 14 prospect | No. 4 EDGE | No. 2 prospect in Texas
Quotable
“The culture. Everyone comes different out there. The whole town is invested into that Gator football and I’m ready to contribute to a rebuild.
“Even after coach Spencer was let go, they pushed even harder to make sure I knew I was still a priority and everything was real from the jump. They like folks like me. I’ve never had anything handed to me; I go get what I want.
“I have the opportunity to make an instant impact. I got everything I need. I’ll be practicing against the best players to be able to get to the next level.”
Scouting Report on Brien Taylor
This is a high-motor defensive lineman who consistently wreaks havoc around the line.
Taylor is relentless once finding a lane to the ball and plays with a mean streak. Once locking onto his opponent, it’s typically a rough landing for the opponent.
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You have to mention the positional versatility as well. Taylor checks in with impressive size but operates like he’s much smaller. That fluidity and ability to change direction at 6-foot-5, 290 pounds are reasons why he is one of the best in junior college. The Gators will likely move him around plenty.
Although he is very explosive, Taylor does a nice job of playing under control. He shows good awareness around the line and rarely over-plays the ball carrier. His short-area quickness allows him to close quickly.
All in all, this is a defensive lineman who boasts star potential. I’m actually surprised Taylor is not ranked high in the junior-college rankings. His mixture of size, aggressiveness and athleticism will have him competing for a starting job during the offseason.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.