Arizona Football: J.J. Taylor to graduate and will enter the NFL Draft
With the 2019 Arizona Football season nearly over, Wildcats running back J.J. Taylor will graduate and enter the NFL Draft following the season.
It’s been a tough season for the Arizona Football program and its fans this year, and depending on how you view it, the Wildcats got some bad news on Wednesday, as star running back J.J. Taylor announced he will graduate and enter the NFL Draft following the season.
Who knew, the small in stature, but big play making Taylor would blossom from the 5-foot-6-inch 155-pound running back from Corona, CA, into one of the most underrated and electric players in college football!
Arizona Wildcats
From the start, we could tell Taylor was going to be a special player. In his first season, Taylor made a few appearances, dazzling fans with his speed, agility and overall toughness as he ran for 261 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries. That’s not including his 16 yards receiving on two receptions all through four games.
However, then the unfortunate would happen as Taylor would break his foot in the game against Washington, officially ending his season as he also redshirted the rest of the year.
Luckily Taylor would return the following year, bursting on to the scene as he ran for 847 yards on 146 carries with five touchdowns. He would also add another 49 yards on 12 receptions with two touchdowns!
Last season Taylor would have his biggest year yet, finishing second in the conference in rushing yards, ending the year with 1,434 yards on 255 carries with six touchdowns. He would also have another 133 yards receiving with 16 receptions.
This year Taylor’s production is down, as he’s battled injuries, and the offensive line has faced some tough injuries as well. In 2019, Taylor has 640 yard rushing on 124 attempts with five touchdowns. Additionally, Taylor has 260 yards receiving on just 26 catches.
As it stands, Taylor ranks fifth in school history with 3,182 yards rushing, and can certainly improve on that total with two games to play as well!
While the news of his departure stings, we certainly wish Taylor the best, as he has been a great representation of the program and University and will continue to do so moving forward.
Drawing comparisons to NFL veteran and former collegiate star Darren Sproles, there is a belief that Taylor will have a good chance at being drafted!
Just take a look at some of the amazing plays he’s made while here so far!
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At Zona Zealots, we’re definitely bummed about the news, but are nonetheless excited for Taylor and wish him the best in his future endeavors! As always, Bear Down, Arizona and Bear Down, J.J.!