Better Know a Freshman: Eric Taylor

It’s no secret that Ed Orgeron is going hog wild recruiting defensive lineman. By far Orgeron’s biggest focus in recruiting has been the collection of high end difference makers and depth on the defensive front. O knows that you need to be able to rotate quality trenchman in and out of the game on defense to not get worn down by a physically imposing offensive line. Eric Taylor is just that, a guy who can potentially step in and play at a high level when the Jaquelin Roys of the world need a breather.

The Story

Eric Taylor was recruited mainly by LSU and Georgia Tech, with Alabama in the mix as well. He took an unofficial to Georgia Tech, but once he took an official to LSU it was all over. He committed four days after his official and eventually signed.

The Numbers

Five-stars (98-110 rating): The top 32 players in the country to mirror the 32 first round picks in the NFL Draft. These are 32 players that we believe are the most likely to be drafted in the first round from each recruiting class. The full list of 32 with five-star ratings typically isn’t complete until the final ranking. Any player with a rating of more than 100 is considered a “franchise player” and one that does not come around in every recruiting class.

Four-stars (90-97 rating): These are players that we believe are the most likely to produce college careers that get them drafted. By National Signing Day, this number is typically in the range of 350 prospects, roughly the top 10 percent of prospects in a given class.

Three-stars (80-89 rating): This is where the bulk of college football prospects are found and it incorporates a large range of ability levels, all of whom we consider as possible NFL players long term.

Two-stars (70-79 rating): These are prospects that we consider to be FBS-level players with very limited NFL potential.

247 Composite Ranking: ****
247 Composite Rating: .9055

The Film

With Taylor, you can see a disruptor who bullies smaller, less athletic offensive lineman. I think he fits as a 3-4 style defensive end (think Rashard Lawrence), but LSU has moved to a 4-3 base, so he seems to fit in more of a 3-tech role. In high school, he seems to have been used in both capacities so I don’t think it’ll be a gigantic adjustment for him. I definitely think he is talented and capable enough to be a playable rotation piece for LSU. It will be tough to stand out in such a gifted position room though.

The Future- Solid rotational player (think Frank Herron) who is able to see the field and contribute. Although who knows, there’s always a guy or two from lower in the class that becomes a stud, ie Tyrann Mathieu, Duke Riley, DJ Chark.

High End: Sees the field, spells the top guys at a capable level, makes a bit of a splash and gets himself drafted.

Low End: Struggles to see the field in a freakish D Line room, transfers.

Realistic: Gets himself some meaningful snaps and fills in capably. Doesn’t get a ton of notoriety but is a useful player for the team.