Oklahoma State University Athletics
Jason Taylor II Becoming a Leader on Cowboy Defense in Spring
April 01, 2022 | Cowboy Football
The game-changing plays fans have come to expect from Jason Taylor II have been the trademark of his time in Stillwater.
Just in his past two seasons, Taylor II has blocked a game-winning field goal attempt and returned an onside kick, fumble and interception for touchdowns that have all significantly altered the outcome of the game in favor of the Cowboys. His three career non-offensive touchdowns rank fifth among all active FBS players entering the 2022 season.
In addition to his game changing moments, he proved he could be relied upon as a dependable every-down player as he stepped into a full-time starting role last season. He completed the 2021 season with 48 tackles, including 37 solo stops, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and four pass breakups.
Heading into his senior season, Taylor II is among the most experienced players on the roster and has begun stepping into a leader's role this offseason.
"I'm going to be the best leader I can be," Taylor II said. "I'm going to try and emulate some things that Malcolm Rodriguez, Kolby Harvell-Peel, Devin Harper and Christian Holmes did that I can add to my leadership in this role."
With the departure of seven of its 11 primary starters and the defensive coordinator from last season's unit that led the nation in sacks and ranked among the FBS top five in total defense, the spring is being used as a time to adjust to a new scheme and crop of players.
"I think myself and everybody else has adjusted well," Taylor II said. "There was a big hole when coach Knowles and a lot of the guys left, but I know that now we are all adjusted. It's a whole new team and a whole new feel."
A former defensive backs coach with the Minnesota Vikings, OSU's new defensive coordinator Derek Mason spent last season leading the Auburn defense near the top of several statistical categories. He will lean on the few veterans on the defense such as Taylor II and defensive linemen Tyler Lacy and Brock Martin to keep the Cowboy defense among the nation's best units.
"It's been great so far," Taylor II said. "I feel like with (Mason) everything's coming together. Now, everything is starting to move well."
The Cowboys will continue spring practice in April, leading up to the Spring Football Finale on Saturday, April 23. That will be the only time fans will see Taylor II and the new look OSU defense before the Pokes take the field for real in the fall.
Just in his past two seasons, Taylor II has blocked a game-winning field goal attempt and returned an onside kick, fumble and interception for touchdowns that have all significantly altered the outcome of the game in favor of the Cowboys. His three career non-offensive touchdowns rank fifth among all active FBS players entering the 2022 season.
In addition to his game changing moments, he proved he could be relied upon as a dependable every-down player as he stepped into a full-time starting role last season. He completed the 2021 season with 48 tackles, including 37 solo stops, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and four pass breakups.
Heading into his senior season, Taylor II is among the most experienced players on the roster and has begun stepping into a leader's role this offseason.
"I'm going to be the best leader I can be," Taylor II said. "I'm going to try and emulate some things that Malcolm Rodriguez, Kolby Harvell-Peel, Devin Harper and Christian Holmes did that I can add to my leadership in this role."
With the departure of seven of its 11 primary starters and the defensive coordinator from last season's unit that led the nation in sacks and ranked among the FBS top five in total defense, the spring is being used as a time to adjust to a new scheme and crop of players.
"I think myself and everybody else has adjusted well," Taylor II said. "There was a big hole when coach Knowles and a lot of the guys left, but I know that now we are all adjusted. It's a whole new team and a whole new feel."
A former defensive backs coach with the Minnesota Vikings, OSU's new defensive coordinator Derek Mason spent last season leading the Auburn defense near the top of several statistical categories. He will lean on the few veterans on the defense such as Taylor II and defensive linemen Tyler Lacy and Brock Martin to keep the Cowboy defense among the nation's best units.
"It's been great so far," Taylor II said. "I feel like with (Mason) everything's coming together. Now, everything is starting to move well."
The Cowboys will continue spring practice in April, leading up to the Spring Football Finale on Saturday, April 23. That will be the only time fans will see Taylor II and the new look OSU defense before the Pokes take the field for real in the fall.
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