Hurricanes defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III signs with the New York Jets

Hurricanes defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III signed with the New York Jets after going undrafted on Saturday.

Leonard Taylor III has seemed destined for the NFL since high school, and now he will get a chance to show what he can do at the pro level.

Taylor, a former five-star prospect, is going pro after signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, the Miami Hurricanes announced Saturday night.

Taylor was a star in high school, playing at Miami Southridge and then Miami Palmetto. He was listed as the No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 11 player in the 2021 class.

“Produced on a consistent basis throughout his high school career despite offenses trying to scheme around him week in and week out,” his 247Sports recruiting scouting report said.

Taylor made a quick impact at UM, making 21 total tackles and tying for the team lead with 7.5 tackles for loss while playing a rotational role as a freshman.

Taylor became a starter as a sophomore and rewarded that decision with a strong season. He notched 24 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, earning All-ACC honorable mention honors. He had an 87.1 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

Coming off surgery last year, Taylor had a small downtick in production. He played in 10 games and had 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Pro Football Focus gave him a 74.8 defensive grade.

Signed to the J-E-T-S! #ProCanes | @nyjets pic.twitter.com/5MiY4iMM9N

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) April 28, 2024