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School Bio

1/16/09 – Has had a rougher week than expected, but, to his credit, has not complained or talked back to a coaching staff that is preaching tough love to the interior defender. He's built low to the ground but has misfired on a few one-on-ones. While showing some burst and power at the point of attack, he has not been beating his man often enough to be considered in the top two rounds of the draft. - The NFL Draft Bible On Location at the East-West Shrine Game

1.15.09 – Terrance Taylor had ups and downs, including a visit to the trainer's room. He penetrated very well at times, but he was also neutralized way too easily on other reps. Taylor's perseverance was heartening, but he also ended up on the ground during one battle in the pit. - Draft Guys On Location at the East-West Shrine Game

Scout's Take - 7.15.08

Pros: Taylor, a 6-foot, 310 pound senior, has made 15 consecutive starts and played in 36 career games going into his final season in Ann Arbor, so you can put check marks next to experience and durability. He has also started 24 games at nose tackle, so he’s versatile too. Last season, he became the first defensive tackle since Josh Williams (53 tackles in 1997) to post 50 stops in a season, earning him Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Taylor is an excellent athlete and is a former high school state champion in power lifting (610 pound squat, 620 pound dead lift, 385 bench press). As an undefeated wrestler, he won the state title as a junior, and threw the shot (52′6 feet) and discuss (163′02 feet) for his track team in Muskegon.

Cons: He’s a bit squatty at just over six-feet tall and does not fit the prototype. He also lacks closing speed, whether it’s getting after the quarterback or chasing down the ball carrier. He lacks pass rushing skills, although 3.5 of his 4.5 career sacks came last season (among 8.5 TFLs).

Overall: One of seven returning starters on defense for the Wolverines, Taylor will be one of the players looked to for leadership this season. He has career totals of 79 tackles including 13.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass break-ups, and two fumble recoveries. His ability to be a legitimate nose tackle will increase his value come draft day.