Darius Taylor elevating his game as Gophers grind through Big Ten
Minnesota running back Darius Taylor carries the ball and tramples a USC defender during the fourth quarter Saturday October 5, 2024 at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MINNEAPOLIS — The sophomore running back is coming off a stellar outing in the victory over USC, and now he’s ready to be a workhorse for Minnesota.
Darius Taylor carried the ball 25 times for 144 yards against the Trojans, which were both season-highs. Not to mention he led the Golden Gophers in receptions and receiving yards on the evening. Taylor looked stronger with every carry too, which is what coaches admire in elite rushers.
The six-foot, 215-pounder is a bruiser, who has a rare blend of power to steamroll linebackers, and speed to outrun defensive backs. Taylor’s vision helped him out a lot against USC’s defense, and he showed patience as the holes opened up for him.
“I think that’s something we talk about all week, but really all season, is to start fast, accelerate in the middle and finish strong,” Taylor said. “I just wanted to start fast, and our Running Backs Coach talked about kick-starting the offense, making sure the guys are working hard, bringing everybody together and setting that one early.”
The big boys up front mauled the Trojans’ defensive line at the point of attack. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, USC’s defense was fatigued. In return Minnesota was able to take advantage of screen passes, which Taylor and Marcus Major handled out of the backfield. The duo combined for seven catches, and 90 receiving yards.
“I think the run game set it up, they were just keying on the run game and the o-line did a great job of pulling out, and getting those blocks down the field,” he said. “They did a great job on the second and third level, and it’s me and Marcus’ job to make those guys ready.”
Everything appears to be coming full circle for Taylor. After all, injuries limited him to six games in 2023, but he came back, started the bowl game and was named the MVP. Although the Detroit native missed Minnesota’s opener against North Carolina, he has picked up where he left off. Since being back in the lineup, Taylor has bought great value to the Golden Gophers’ offense.
He rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Nevada. Taylor also generated two rushing scores at Michigan. Now that the Golden Gophers have momentum after taking down the No. 11 Trojans, Taylor is focusing on building off his noteworthy performance. Excelling in running, catching and blocking should take him far in his career.
Most importantly, Taylor just wants to stay healthy as Minnesota navigates through the Big Ten gauntlet. He’s confident that the offense will keep getting better, and believes the best is yet to come for the unit.
“I think tonight my o-line was doing a great job, our tight ends were getting up to that second level, we were clicking on all cylinders to where I can just be me, and make those plays for them.”
