Will Taylor

Duke redshirt junior Will Taylor has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List.

Position:
Center
Height:
6-3
Weight:
305
Class:
Redshirt Senior
Hometown:
Snellville, Ga.
High School:
Grayson

DUKE CAREER: Transitioned to an undergraduate assistant coach role due to career-ending injuries prior to 2021 ... in 15 career games (nine starts), played 699 total snaps.

2020: Third team All-ACC pick by Pro Football Focus ... recipient of the team’s Frances Cutcliffe Spirit of Perseverance Award, which is awarded annually to an individual who displays toughness and perseverance to overcome challenges ... started in first six games following preseason injury to All-ACC center Jack Wohlabaugh ... suffered a season-ending injury at N.C. State and underwent ligamentous reconstruction surgery on right knee on Oct. 27 ... helped block for an attack that averaged 379.7 yards of total offense per game … created paths for running backs Mataeo Durant and Deon Jackson to record four and two games with over 100+ rushing yards, respectively … helped the Duke offense register 33 total TDs, including 19 via the ground game … blocked for an aerial attack that threw for over 2,400+ yards for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons ... on the field for 424 snaps.

2019: Played in six games, making three starts to end the season following an injury to All-ACC center Jack Wohlabaugh ... awarded the team’s Ace Parker Award, an honor presented annually to an individual who displays unparalleled commitment to the team and overcomes adversity to contribute ... part of an offensive line unit that was named to the Midseason Honor Roll for the Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football ... helped Duke’s offensive line rank fifth in the ACC in sacks allowed and 15th nationally in TFL allowed ... blocked for an offense that averaged 329.7 yards per game and scored 37 TDs ... paved the way for the Duke offense to register 40+ points in three straight outings versus North Carolina A&T, Middle Tennessee and Virginia Tech ... on the field for 245 snaps.

2018: Played in three games ... saw action against N.C. Central, Wake Forest and Temple ... received the program’s Mike Suglia Award, which is presented annually to the second-year member of the Duke football program who best exemplifies the qualities of the late Mike Suglia ... on the field for 30 snaps.

2017: Did not see game action.

PRIOR TO DUKE: Played at Grayson High School for coaches Jeff Herron and Mickey Conn ... consensus three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com ... consensus top-15 center nationally as ranked by Rivals.com (No. 3), ESPN.com (No. 5), 247Sports.com (No. 9) and Scout.com (No. 13) ... as a senior, earned first team all-state honors from both the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sports Writers Association as Grayson went 14-1, captured the Georgia Class 7A state championship and finished the season ranked No. 7 in the USA Today final national poll ... also received first team all-region, all-county and all-metro accolades ... following final season, selected to play in the 2016 Under Armour All-American Game and served as a captain for Team Armour, which earned a 24-21 victory over Team Highlight ... during junior campaign, helped Grayson to a 13-1 ledger, the Class 7A Region 8 championship and berth in the state playoff semifinals.

PERSONAL: Born April 28, 1999 ... graduated from Duke in May 2022 with a degree in biomedical engineering ... son of Marty and Pam Taylor ... twin brother, John, was a member of the Duke football program (2017-18-19-20-21).