Somehow, Taylor flew under the radar last year on a deep Garner front seven last season, at least from the outside. Coaches in the conference know how talented the rising senior is and often schemed around him last year. Though he’s undersized, he’s not lacking power, and he played the run well.

The Garner defense swarmed last season, with three guys with at least eight sacks. Two of them graduate, leaving Taylor as the top guy. He can play inside or outside and he’s relentless in pursuit, often making plays on his second or even his third pass-rushing move. If Garner wants to make another deep playoff run, Taylor will be a key.

Taylor has excellent length and was used in a variety of alignments for Garner. His future is probably as a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 edge rusher, even though he rarely lined up as the former for the Trojans. He has good bend and quickness, as well as a strong feel for what offenses are trying to do.