Former Florida running back Kelvin Taylor surpassed Emmitt Smith as Florida's all-time high school rushing leader as a junior. He ran for 2,423 and 41 touchdowns to end his senior campaign at Glades Day High School. The previous 4-star recruit (according to Rivals.com) capped off his prolific five-year (played varsity in eighth grade) high school career with an astonishing 12,121 yards with 191 touchdowns. Taylor was selected to the Freshman All-SEC team by the league's coaches for his 508 yards and four scores. He played in all 12 games with two starts in 2014, logging 565 on 116 carries.
Taylor earned a starting role and was the work horse for the Gators in 2015. He had 1,035 yards on 259 totes and 13 touchdowns. In addition, he caught 17 passes for 150 yards. He declared for the 2016 NFL Draft after the conclusion of his junior campaign.
The Basics
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 207 lbs
Arm Length: 29 1/4"
Hand: 8 1/4"
40 Yard Dash: 4.60 sec
Bench Press Reps (225): 17
Vertical: 32"
Broad Jump: 113"
3 Cone Drill: 7.23 sec
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.2 sec
How He Compares To Other Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State (6'0", 225 lbs): 4.47 40 yard dash
Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas (5'11", 217 lbs): 4.59 40 yard dash
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech (5'10", 215 lbs): 4.59 40 yard dash
The Rundown
Positives:
- Impressive vision and feel for running lanes - very decisive and can shimmy his way through skinny holes
- An exceedingly sudden player with smooth-sweeping jump cuts to elude defenders - imposing later agility shown throughout film
- Showcases quick feet and game-speed to turn the corner
- Displays an ideal frame for the position and is willing to throw around his body in pass-protection
- Did not fumble once during his three years at Florida - bulky with the ability to be a three-down NFL back
- Understands the game and is the son of former NFL running back Fred Taylor
Negatives:
- Sometimes impatient to press the line of scrimmage and wait for running lanes to burst open
- Does not present tackle-breaking power, the capability to flatten defenders or push them after contact
- Quicker than fast and doesn't possess incredible breakaway speed
Conclusion
Taylor provided plenty of tape to excite you with throughout his career at the University of Florida. His likable size, feel for the game, vision and NFL bloodlines should bode well for him at the next level.
The 49ers running backs consist of DuJuan Harris, Carlos Hyde, Mike Davis, Shaun Draughn and Jarryd Hayne. In my mind, Taylor, Draughn, Hayne, and of course Carlos Hyde, have the best chance of making the team. Taylor has an opportunity to create an immediate impact as a rookie, especially due to the numerous question marks surrounding the position group.