DeKalon Taylor is gearing up to make a splash for Colorado football fans this season. Last year, the former Incarnate Word standout showed tantalizing glimpses of his potential, scoring a touchdown in his first two games with the Buffs.
Unfortunately, a season-ending injury cut his campaign short in Week 4. In his brief stint at the Power 4 level, Taylor averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry and snagged 10 passes for 106 yards.
Taylor's versatility is arguably unmatched on the Colorado roster. As Colorado running backs coach Johnnie Mack put it, “DT (DeKalon Taylor) is pretty much all purpose.
He’s gonna do everything he can. He can catch, he can run, he can give it to you however you want it.”
Now fully recovered for his senior year, Taylor is poised for a standout season. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and his innovative Go-Go offense could be the perfect catalyst. Marion’s scheme, which led the Big Sky with 262 rushing yards per game at Sac State and set a 45-year record at UNLV with 251 rushing yards in 2024, is designed to let running backs thrive.
Taylor’s explosive speed and agility make him an ideal fit for this dynamic offense, which relies heavily on misdirection. “It’s a perfect fit for him,” Mack noted.
“It’s more like a duo where he gets the opportunity to read several keys on defense. Putting a guy like that with that type of speed in that position is favorable to him.”
Mack is optimistic about Taylor’s potential, especially in a system that promises to elevate his game. The Buffs plan to utilize a lot of 21 personnel, pairing Taylor with a more traditional back to maximize his unique skill set. Despite Marion’s history of limited pass-catching from running backs, Taylor’s ability to catch out of the backfield is a game-changer.
Starting his college career as a wide receiver, Taylor’s hands remain an asset. His leadership qualities have also shone through in his second year with the Buffs.
“He’s already a leader for us and man, he’s just a student of the game,” Mack said. “That guy loves football, man.
I have to tell him to go home because he’ll stay up here all day.”
Taylor stands as one of only two returning scholarship running backs, taking on a mentorship role. His teammate, former Alabama RB Richard Young, admires Taylor’s work ethic and speed.
“DT (DeKalon Taylor) is a humble, hardworking person,” Young shared. “He brings the juice every day.
He pushes me to be great.”
As the Buffs prepare for the upcoming season, Taylor’s impact both on and off the field could be pivotal. If he stays healthy and continues to develop, Colorado might just have a season to remember.