Miami Football: What commitment from Leonard Taylor could mean

The Miami Football program received huge news Monday when star five-star defensive tackle Leonard Taylor announced his college decision was down to just Miami and Florida.

There’s no light way of putting it, a commitment from local star defensive tackle Leonard Taylor would be one of the biggest additions to the Miami football program in years. It would easily be Miami’s highest-ranked player for the 2021 class.

To give additional context, Miami’s only Five-star signee since 2015 was running back Lorenzo Lingard in its 2018 class. Canes fans know how that turned out. The local Miami Palmetto Senior High product, who ranks as the fourth-best player in the 2021 class according to 247 Sports, is exceptionally dynamic and quick for his position.

247 Sports had this to say about Taylor:

“A fluid and natural athlete playing along the defensive line. Uses his length to disengage from opposing offensive linemen and wins with a strong first step and quick swim move. Incredibly disruptive as an interior pass rusher.”

The website’s pro comparison for Taylor to former Alabama superstar and current New York Jet Quinnen Williams. It’s safe to say expectations are high for the Palmetto DT at the next level.

Although the Hurricanes and the Gators are the finalists for Taylor’s talents, the Gators are considered the favorites to land 2021 DT. All four of 247 Sports’ Crystal Ball Predictions anticipate UF beating out the Canes.

Nevertheless, Manny Diaz and the Canes still have a realistic shot at Taylor as one of the final two teams standing after the DT initially had 21 offers to choose from. Taylor’s teammate at Miami Palmetto, four-star DT Savion Collins, committed to Miami back in 2018.

That could hold weight to create a Palmetto D-Line reunion at The U, although 247 experts believe Collins could flip to Florida himself. Miami’s defense is set to have one of the best defensive lines in the country this season, with stars Greg Rousseau and Quincy Roche on each end.

Yes, both are defensive ends and Taylor is a tackle, but the DT could pick up the dominance left by his D-Line counterparts. As for the DT position, current starters Nesta Silvera and Jon Ford could both be gone after 2020 season.

Hence, Taylor may have an even quicker path to play and could become the face of Miami’s defense, a title currently held by Rousseau. The decision Taylor makes undoubtedly has huge implications on Miami’s 2021 class will look.