INDIANAPOLIS — Why did former Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor wear No. 23 for the Badgers? Because he was paying homage to his favorite NFL player.
Taylor told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine Wednesday that the reason he wore No. 23 was for former Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster.
“So, growing up my favorite running back was Arian Foster, hence the reason I have 23,” Taylor said. “I just think he was so smooth for his size, in and out of his cuts. That’s just a guy I tried to model my game after.”
Taylor produced 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns on 320 carries in his final season at Wisconsin, earning his second first-team All-American and repeating as the Doak Walker Award winner.
The Salem, New Jersey, native admired how smoothly Foster, the 2010 NFL rushing champion, was able to move on the gridiron, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro nominations in the process.
“Arian Foster was really smooth in and out of his cuts for his size,” said Taylor. “So, me being kind of a bigger back, making sure when I play, I play smooth so it looks natural.
“And I thought it was just like rhythm and poetry in my eyes.
Because of his admiration of foster, Taylor also became a fan of the Texans, who won three AFC South titles in Foster’s tenure with the club from 2009-15.
Said Taylor: “So, I grew up watching the Texans due to Arian Foster, so I guess I’d have to go with the Texans.”
According to Walter Football, Taylor is projected to go in the first or second round. The Texans’ first selection of the draft isn’t until deep in the second round at No. 57. It is unlikely that Houston will be able to take Taylor, who would be an upgrade with his talent and youth.