Opponents of Morehead State football became well aware of the dominance of defensive end Vaughn Taylor, Jr., in 2019. After all, he led the Pioneer League in tackles for loss and sacks. His name is now recognized nationally as Taylor, Jr. was tabbed to the FCS Preseason All-America Team by College Sports Journal.
A native of Washington, D.C., who transferred to MSU from Kansas, he tackled foes in the backfield 18 times in 2019, a figure which ranks second among the program's best defenders. His sack total reflected 5.5 quarterback takedowns.
But that wasn't the only area where he wreaked havoc. Taylor, Jr also ranks second in overall tackles on the team with 63 and led the squad with seven quarterback hurries. He forced two fumbles and recovered two footballs on the ground too.
For his efforts, he was named PFL Defensive Player of the Week three times, a program record. After the season, Taylor, Jr. was named First-Team All-PFL.
In a 31-20 win against Butler on Oct. 19, he totaled 10 tackles, including 3.5 for losses. He also had a sack and a half. In five of the 11 games, he recorded two or more tackles for losses.
In just two seasons, Taylor, Jr. already has racked up 27 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
