CORAL GABLES — For the first few weeks of the season, multiple Miami Hurricanes coaches said Leonard Taylor’s time was coming.
So when his chance to make an impact came after not playing in UM’s first three games, the defensive tackle made sure to make the most of the opportunity.
After making his season debut against FCS-program Central Connecticut State on Sept. 25, Taylor made a crucial play against Virginia on Sept. 30 that likely would’ve stood out more if the Hurricanes didn’t lose to the Cavaliers.
On a Virginia second-and-4 from its own 45 midway through the fourth quarter with a 30-28 lead over Miami, Taylor shoved Cavaliers left guard Ryan Nelson, a fifth-year senior, out of the way on a run play and got into Virginia’s backfield before bringing Cavaliers running back Wayne Taulapapa down to the ground for a 1-yard loss.