Darius Taylor (American football)

Darius Taylor

Taylor at 2025 Big Ten Media Days
Minnesota Golden Gophers–No. 1
Position	Running back
Class	Junior
Personal information
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career history
College	Minnesota (2023–present)
High school	Walled Lake Western (Walled Lake, Michigan)
Stats at ESPN

Darius Taylor is an American college football running back for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Early life

Taylor attended Walled Lake Western High School in Walled Lake, Michigan. As a senior, he rushed for 2,450 yards and 36 touchdowns on 268 carries, while also hauling in 14 receptions for 300 yards and a touchdown. ^[1] Taylor was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at the University of Minnesota over other offers from schools such as Boston College, Iowa, Michigan State and Wisconsin. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

College career

Taylor in a 2025 game against Buffalo

Taylor enrolled early at Minnesota in January 2023. He made his collegiate debut against Nebraska where he made one rushing attempt for three yards. ^[5] Taylor was named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week for three weeks in a row after his performances against Eastern Michigan in week 2, ^[6] North Carolina in week 3 ^[7] and Northwestern in week 4. ^[8] However, after rushing for 198 yards and two touchdowns versus Northwestern, Taylor left the game with an injury. ^[9]

References

1. Greder, Andy. "Gophers' four-star running back Darius Taylor 'one of prized recruits of the class'". Pioneer Press. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
2. Thompson, Lee. "Top Recruits: Big Ten-bound Darius Taylor is electric in everything he does". MLive.com. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
3. Burnstein, Scott. "Minnesota adds versatile weapon with commitment from Walled Lake Western's do-it-all Darius Taylor". The Oakland Press. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
4. "Darius Taylor, Walled Lake Western, Running Back". 247sports.com. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
5. "Darius Taylor". Minnesota Golden Gophers .
6. "Taylor Tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Week". Minnesota Golden Gophers . September 11, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
7. "Taylor Repeats as Big Ten Freshman of the Week". Minnesota Golden Gophers . September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
8. "Taylor Runs to Third Straight B1G Freshman of the Week Honor". Minnesota Golden Gophers . September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
9. Greder, Andy (September 24, 2023). "Gophers tailback Darius Taylor's injury looms over Northwestern loss". Pioneer Press. Retrieved September 27, 2023.

External links

• Minnesota Golden Gophers bio