Kelvin Taylor Will be the Most Improved Running Back in 2015 in the SEC
While the value of the running back position has steadily decreased in the NFL, look around and you’ll see they still remain vital cogs in today’s college game.
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For the 2015 Florida Gators, nothing could be truer and at the center of the Gators rushing attack is junior running back Kelvin Taylor.
In 2014, Taylor was the backup to Matt Jones who was drafted by the Washington Redskins in third round of this past draft.
Taylor provided the lightning and quickness to Jones’ thunder and power, where Taylor rushed for 565 yards on only 116 carries, good for 4.9 yards per carry.
His breakout game last year came against the Georgia Bulldogs, where he racked up a season-high 197 yards with two TDs.
Now Jones is gone and Taylor, the son of former Gator and NFL great Fred Taylor, is expected to win the starting tailback job under new Head Coach Jim McElwain.
Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
With the Gators still deciding whether Treon Harris or Will Grier will provide the best chance to win and no stud, go-to receiver, the focal point on moving and scoring the ball will shift to Taylor.
McElwain’s offense seems to suit Taylor better than the shotgun heavy sets that Will Muschamp featured for Jones.
In his last year at Colorado State, McElwain’s offense was nearly equal in run/pass attempts where the Rams quarterbacks attempted 447 passes to 435 rushing attempts.
There’s no doubt that Taylor and his running mates will get plenty of work to shine on Saturdays.
“I feel like the first two years, I mean, they were decent, but I know I can do way better. I feel like this year I’m going to be a complete back. I’m going to do it all this year.”
Besides the attempts, with more of a pro-style look, Taylor can use his agility and acceleration to take one cut off either a guard or a tackle as opposed to banging and fighting for yards up the gut.
Taylor has also said he’s been working on helping the passing game as well, where he’s looked to improve his pass blocking and protection skills.
Taylor told Palm Beach Post’s Graham Hall that, “I feel like the first two years, I mean, they were decent, but I know I can do way better. I feel like this year I’m going to be a complete back. I’m going to do it all this year.”
The Gators best chance to score on offense this year will be going through Taylor. Uncertainty at quarterback and depth issues on the offensive line might be the only things that can derail Taylor from a breakout year.
Nevertheless, the former 4-star recruit from Belle Glade will get plenty of opportunities to shine under McElwain.
Don’t be surprised when Taylor finishes 2015 as one of top rushers in the SEC.
What do you think? Will Kelvin Taylor live up to the hype and become a star on offense? We want to hear from you!