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Canes standout defensive lineman Leonard Taylor spoketo the media on Tuesday about the adjustments made after their hard-fought game against North Carolina, and the strategies that helped the team clinch a win against Clemson.
Taylor shared candid insights about his teammates Brashard Smith and freshman Rueben Bain. Smith, his former high school teammate at Palmetto, has become a vital playmaker for Shannon Dawson. "Every time we get in the game, he does what he does best – play football, get open, score touchdowns,” praised Taylor, reaffirming Smith’s hard work at practice and focus on improving his fundamentals.
Discussing Rueben Bain, Taylor’s admiration was evident: "Outstanding as a freshman… 70 plus snaps a game. Very physical, good footwork coming in as a freshman. Something I haven't seen before since I've been here.” Taylor III doesn't throw around the term "complete dog" lightly, reserving such high praise for players who truly make their mark.
The discussion about Smith's high school days revealed more about his trajectory. When questioned about Smith’s speed back in high school, Taylor chuckled, remembering, "He's been fast since high school – real fast." But it’s not just nostalgia; Taylor III recognizes the tangible growth in Smith's agility, attributing it to the training programs they've been part of since joining the team.
The conversation transitioned to recent games, where the defense's performance against Clemson was a notable talking point. Taylor shed light on their strategy, crediting their coach's package for the defense. This 3-3-5 look focused on disrupting Clemson's game plan, which worked in their favor. "It's a good scheme; I like it a lot," he commented.
When asked about his performance post his injury, Taylor acknowledged, "My body was a bit banged up after the game, but I feel good now."
Despite the commendations, Taylor didn't shy away from reflecting on areas for self-improvement. On being asked about consistency in his gameplay, he admitted, "I feel like it's getting better… I'll do my job, but it can improve way more to a higher level."
Highlighting the team's mentality during the intense final moments against Clemson, Taylor recalled the unity and determination: "We all just huddled up on the sideline, telling each other to do our jobs... then Cory ended up making a big play to finish off the game.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Virginia, Taylor displayed the unwavering confidence that fans have come to associate with him: "Just go out there and dominate like we did last week."
