The guidance of Jason Taylor has played a massive role in the success of Miami Hurricanes' Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr.
The Miami Hurricanes continue to make program history, not only making the College Football Playoffs for the first-time ever, but winning their first-round matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies, with a final score of 10-3. It was certainly a game in the "trenches," as Mario Cristobal usually describes it. Offensively, there wasn't much outside of junior Mark Fletcher Jr., who rushed 17 times for 172 yards. The biggest breakthrough came in the fourth quarter, when he found a gap at the line of scrimmage and ran for 56 yards, which set up wide receiver Malachi Toney to score the game-winning and lone touchdown.
However, the biggest story is the Hurricanes' defense, which had multiple heroic moments. It started with a blocked field goal by junior Rueben Bain Jr. He had five total tackles for the game, four solos and one assist, four tackles for loss, including three second-half sacks. Redshirt senior Akheem Mesidor joined the party with five total tickles, one solo and four assists, 1.5 tackles for loss, including a 1.5 fourth-quarter sack. The star edge rushing duo was critical in the team's success.
The emergence of Bain Jr. and Mesidor didn't happen out of nowhere, but with the help and leadership of defensive line coach Jason Taylor behind the scenes.
The former Miami Dolphins defensive end and Pro Football Hall of Famer initially joined Cristobal's staff as an analyst in 2022. He was then promoted to his current position before the following season. After 15 years, the six-time Pro Bowler finished with 139.5 sacks, which is seventh on the all-time list.
Despite the spotless resume, Taylor doesn't mention it while mentoring Mesidor, Bain Jr., and the rest of the defensive linemen.
"I don't talk about me," he said. "I guess the credibility is there based on my resume, but I'll never throw it in their face."
There's no doubt that Taylor's influence and coaching have translated on the field, especially with the edge rushers. The Hurricanes may not have the regular season with the most sacks in the nation, like the Aggies, but when they do knock down an opposing quarterback, it's massive.
Nick Saban also had a few words about Taylor's leadership:
"I get asked all the time, 'Who's the best player you ever coached?' he said. "I would never disrespect any players, but Jason Taylor is always in the conversation, and at the top of the conversation. This guy's a great competitor and leader. I'm sure he's had a tremendous impact on these young guys playing at this position. In terms of their attitude, development, as well as their technique."
They spent two seasons together with the Dolphins.
Bain Jr. and Mesidor are projected to be first-round selections in the upcoming NFL draft. However, there's still a task at hand, the College Football Playoffs. The Hurricanes are arguably the most battle-tested team left in the bracket, which could work in their favor on New Year's Eve, in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals against the Ohio State Buckeyes, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.
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