South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-12 defensive ends/EDGE players of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 6 EDGE Player of All-Time:
Devin Taylor
One of the tallest Gamecocks ever, the 6’8″ Devin Taylor (2008-2012) was a steadying force on the EDGE for South Carolina football during their rise to prominence under Steve Spurrier. After a 2008 redshirt, Taylor saw a significant role in 2009 as a rotational defensive end. After the departures of Eric Norwood and Clifton Geathers, Taylor became a mainstay in the starting lineup for three more seasons.
Taylor utilized his length to create separation from would-be blockers, and he excelled at using those long arms to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage. Taylor compiled 35.5 career tackles for loss which is the third most in Gamecock history. His sophomore and junior years were excellent as Taylor was selected to two All-SEC teams, including a first-team nod as a redshirt sophomore. He is also one of just a handful of Carolina players to ever block multiple kicks in a career.