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In a much anticipated commitment, Miami (FL) Palmetto 5-star DT Leonard Taylor committed to the Miami Hurricanes over the Florida Gators on Thursday.
JUST IN: Five-star defensive tackle Leonard Taylor just announced his commitment to Miami on @CBSSportsHQ: https://t.co/BQ7OPhns84 pic.twitter.com/oslRHRb1ha
— 247Sports Recruiting (@247recruiting) August 6, 2020
Respect it @PantherPride305 @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/MszG4BUXeb
— Leonard Taylor ⁵⁶ (@56reasons_) August 6, 2020
A 6’4” 255lb stalwart on the interior of the defense, Taylor is as elite a prospect as there is in the 2021 recruiting class. He’s ranked as the #3 DT, #6 in the State of Florida, and #27 overall in the Country by the 247sports composite. And, if we look at 247sports’ individual rankings (non-composite), he’s ranked even higher: #1 DT, #2 in FL, #4 OVERALL. Rare air, indeed.
It is rarer still that you have a 5-star DT from the local Miami area, and for Miami to secure Taylor’s commitment is huge. For a long time in his recruitment, it seemed as though the Florida Gators held the advantage here. But, over time, Miami chipped away and overtook the Gators, and that led to today’s commitment.
Taylor’s recruiting pedigree isn’t just hype: there’s production to be excited about as well. As a junior for District Champion Palmetto, Taylor had 68 tackles, 26 TFLs, 11 sacks, and 2 interceptions for the Panthers. For his efforts, Taylor was named 1st team All-Dade, and 3rd team All-State.
Again, getting a 5-star player committed to Miami is a MASSIVE deal, and when you consider that you beat Florida head up, and other offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, and Georgia, and you have another marquee recruiting moment for Manny Diaz and company.
Taylor is the latest player from Palmetto to pick Miami. He joins WR Brashard Smith and DT Savion Collins in picking the Canes. Taylor is the 2nd 5-star player to commit to Miami, joining Ft. Lauderdale (FL) American Heritage S James Williams on that list in this class.
An Under Armour All-American, Taylor joins Hollywood (FL) Chaminade-Madonna DT Allan Haye and his Palmetto teammate Savion Collins at DT in this class. Miami has Miami (FL) Columbus DE Jabari Ishmael and Valdosta (GA) Lowndes DE Thomas Davis committed along the DL in this class, as well.
For a better look at the 5-star talent Miami is adding with Taylor, check out the HUDL highlights below: