Virginia Tech’s Push for 4-Star Defensive End Darrell Taylor

Oct 12, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Isaac Bennett (34) gets stopped by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Nicolas (90) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies have not gotten off to the best start in recruiting for the Class of 2015 but the Hokies do have five commits already. All five of those commits are from defensive players while two of those players are defensive lineman. However, both of these 3-star defensive line commits will likely be defensive tackles as Eric Whitehead is definitely a defensive tackle and Harry Lewis could definitely end up moving inside at the collegiate level. The Hokies are still looking to get a couple true defensive ends in their Class of 2015 and Virginia Tech should be able to get a couple talented defensive ends.

Darrell Taylor might not be as big of a name as Josh Sweat or Jalen Dalton but the 4-star defensive end from Hopewell High School in Hopewell, Virginia is definitely a very good player. Taylor has been one of the fastest rising Class of 2015 recruits in college football as he has become a four-star by 247 Sports and Rivals over the last few weeks. Taylor’s rise this spring has been quite rapid but this probably isn’t a major surprise when you look at the stats he put up on the defensive side of the ball last fall.

Darrell Taylor had 54 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception as listed by 247 Sports. These are some impressive numbers and Taylor has continued to build on that this spring with some strong performances at major camps. Taylor has gone to some major camps and dominated other big-time recruits including Penn State’s 4-star offensive tackle commit Sterling Jenkins.

Taylor absolutely dominates Jenkins at this camp and is definitely showing the skills to be a big time pass rusher at the next level. At 6-4, Taylor definitely has the height while he definitely seems to be a guy that could bulk up to 235 to 240 pounds from his current 220 pounds. Taylor is showing the skills to be a very good college football player and many of college football’s elite are very interested. Taylor has proven to be a great athlete and those are the players that usually have the most upside

Ohio State and Virginia are two of the top chasers for Darrell Taylor but the Hokies are currently the frontrunners to get this 4-star defensive end. Taylor goes to the same school as Virginia Tech Class of 2014 signeeTabyus Taylor and that connection could help a lot. Taylor also is projected to be a Hokie by many analysts with 13 of 13 predictions for Taylor in the 247 Sports’ Crystal Ball having him going to the Hokies. Right now, the Hokies seem like the definite frontrunner and it wouldn’t surprise me if Taylor ends up being a Hokie.

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