Before Jimbo Fisher’s dismissal, one of his final recruiting victories during his Texas A&M tenure was landing a commitment from former 2023 3-star linebacker Taurean York, one of the most underrated athletes in the cycle.
After earning the starting middle linebacker job during his freshman season, the Temple (TX) native took full advantage of his opportunity, showing flashes of brilliance while finishing with 74 tackles (38 solo tackles), three sacks, and a forced fumble on the year.
While the 2023 season was a disappointment, the defensive line showed promise, and heading into the 2024 campaign, York, along with former Pitt linebacker Solomon DeSheilds, has a chance to thrive behind what could be the best D-line in the SEC.
No matter how well he performed last season, York continues to fly under the national radar, but not with his team. Recognized as a 2024 team captain, York joined head coach Mike Elko, defensive tackle Shemar Turner, and left tackle Trey Zuhn III during last week’s SEC Media Days, providing insight into what we should expect this fall.
However, it wasn’t so much what York said compared to Turner’s quote regarding his teammate’s development this offseason, noting how York’s love for the game has accelerated his play at such a young age:
“The respect he’s gotten since he was a freshman is crazy. The way he approaches the game… He loves the sport of football.”
“Having a guy like that at that young of an age is crazy. He gained the respect of everyone quick.”
As the saying goes, “Respect is earned, not given,” York’s determined demeanor and intelligence are unmatched. At the same time, his offseason work under new strength & conditioning coach Tommy Moffit will likely produce a bigger and stronger player with the same speed and athleticism to stuff running holes and make his way into the backfield.
Adding five pounds of mass so far, York’s current 6’0″, 235-pound frame looks more than ready to take on the 2024 slate, starting with Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31.
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