Name: Jabari Taylor
School: University of Cincinnati
Position: DL
Height: 6-1
Weight: 280

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

The word “Goals” can be very broad sometimes, but I can say the main goal from day on of the off-season personally and team wise was to get back to where we have been the past handful of seasons. I wanted to win conference championship and continue competing for championships, we fell short but made a solid run. If any other goals after that it would be just that I can play at a high level across the D-Line at every position.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

One thing for sure is even though I wasn’t the most rowdy or the typical leader what I always strived to do is lead by example and my teammates in my eyes are a reflection of what I have been able to teach and leave behind. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t or that they haven’t done already. No matter how you may think I’m feeling or what you may see on my face body language or etc., it’s nothing more than me trying to focus and lock in on the task at hand. None the less when its time to hit the field I’m always ready.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

I can say one thing I emphasize when watching film is I try to find tips and tricks and tells from the O-Line. What I mean by that is just paying attention to ones body language a little more, things like seeing the way a tackle slightly rotates and adjust his feet in run vs. pass game or even if he lines up more flat footed or even with his elbow resting on his leg or not. The RB and QB sometimes give tells as well. Just trying to pay attention to the game in different ways to try and anticipate what’s coming, and continue to gain a better feel for the game.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

I believe what separates me my combination of natural leverage and quick & explosiveness I can play with at a high motor at my size. Being a little undersized I have had to understand the game upfront a lot more. Playing my first 2 years @ Nose and then slowly moving out to End playing both the boundary and Field, while also the shade or 3-Tech in certain formations. I understand angles and body position and have a feel for anticipation and the game in general so even if I do not make the play I still affect it and my Job at the highest level possible not really greedy for stats I want to win and I understand how and what it takes, I’ve been winning all my life I’m not comfortable with losing and I want to continue to learn and grow. My ability to adapt and stay cool and adjust in strenuous situations had been a thing I’ve naturally been working on over the years since I was kid. My ability to be cool and have controlled aggression had become an asset to me. Most people are blinded by stats, but I find success and self accomplishment in discipline and doing my job at a high level even if I’m not necessarily making the play.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

The plan is not to rush things and keep steady at what Ive been doing since and before Pro-Day. Continuing to stay in shape and uphold the best health possible and just overall stay ready and prepared as much as possible.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My ability to listen and observe and understand my role at the time. Like I said before I believe I have a feel for the game with a combination of understanding angles and body position and having natural leverage. Knowing how to play very spot on the D-Line and comfortably and play them efficiently. I said before I understand what it takes to win and it would be great to possibly set an example somewhere and/or continue on growing as well.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

You’re getting someone who is eager to continue to grow and learn and win. Not only just that but someone who knows what it takes has the mindset and not a selfish guy. Of all the winning teams I’ve been apart of in my life there wasn’t a single one where everyone didn’t have a significant role and understand the bigger picture. Everyone eats not just a few guys. I want to continue to play ball and learn and grow at the highest level simple as that and one day be the example.