The Rise of Dekalon Taylor: A New Chapter for CU Buffs Football
June 14, 2025, 4:14 am
In the world of college football, opportunities can be as fleeting as a summer breeze. For Dekalon Taylor, a running back for the Colorado Buffaloes, the winds of change have blown favorably. After navigating the rocky terrain of the transfer portal, Taylor has found a new home in Boulder, Colorado. His journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of an athlete who refuses to be defined by his size.
At 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds, Taylor is not the prototypical running back. In a sport where size often equates to power, he stands as a reminder that heart and skill can defy expectations. His stature may have limited his options in the past, but it has also fueled his fire. Taylor embraces his height as a chip on his shoulder, a badge of honor that propels him to prove doubters wrong. He is a small player in a big game, but his ambition is larger than life.
Taylor's path to CU was paved with challenges. After a standout high school career at Longview High School in Texas, his college options were limited. He had two choices: Tyler Junior College or a late offer from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). At UIW, he initially played as a slot receiver, but the depth chart was crowded with talent. Opportunities were scarce, and he found himself sidelined. However, fate intervened when injuries opened the door for him to transition to running back. It was a turning point.
In his first full season as a running back, Taylor rushed for 909 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.0 yards per carry. He was on the brink of a 1,000-yard season when a hand injury sidelined him for the last three games. Yet, in those moments of adversity, he found clarity. He realized he could play at a high level. He was ready to show the world who he truly was.
Football is a game of contact, and for Taylor, the hits are not just part of the game; they are moments of awakening. He recalls how getting tackled can jolt him into a higher gear. It’s a metaphor for life—sometimes, it takes a hit to ignite the fire within. Taylor's love for the game blossomed later than most. Initially, he shied away from football, preferring baseball. But once he returned to the gridiron in eighth grade, he discovered a passion that would drive him forward.
Now, as he joins the CU Buffs, Taylor steps into a competitive running back room. He faces returning players like Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch, and Charlie Offerdahl, along with Coastal Carolina transfer Simeon Price. Each player brings a unique skill set to the table, creating a melting pot of talent. Taylor sees this diversity as a strength. In a team sport, different talents can shine at different times, and he is ready to contribute.
Taylor's versatility may also see him utilized in the return game, a role he excelled in at UIW. The prospect of contributing in multiple ways excites him. He understands that every opportunity is a chance to prove himself. His journey has been marked by patience and perseverance, and he is eager to embrace whatever role comes his way.
Reflecting on his journey, Taylor acknowledges the divine intervention that has shaped his path. He feels blessed to have found a place where he can thrive. The doors that have opened for him are a testament to his hard work and faith. He is not just a player; he is a symbol of hope for those who feel overlooked.
As the CU Buffs prepare for the upcoming season, Taylor's story serves as a reminder that talent can emerge from unexpected places. He embodies the spirit of the underdog, a player who has fought against the odds to carve out his niche. In a sport that often celebrates the giants, Taylor is a beacon for those who dare to dream big, regardless of their size.
The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but for Dekalon Taylor, it is also filled with promise. He is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. With each practice, each game, he will strive to leave his mark on the field. The CU Buffs have welcomed a player who is not just looking to make a name for himself but to inspire others along the way.
In the grand tapestry of college football, Taylor's journey is a vibrant thread. It weaves together themes of resilience, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As he dons the black and gold of the Buffs, he carries with him the hopes of many who believe that size does not define success. In the game of football, as in life, it’s the heart that truly matters. And Dekalon Taylor has a heart that beats louder than any obstacle in his path.
At 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds, Taylor is not the prototypical running back. In a sport where size often equates to power, he stands as a reminder that heart and skill can defy expectations. His stature may have limited his options in the past, but it has also fueled his fire. Taylor embraces his height as a chip on his shoulder, a badge of honor that propels him to prove doubters wrong. He is a small player in a big game, but his ambition is larger than life.
Taylor's path to CU was paved with challenges. After a standout high school career at Longview High School in Texas, his college options were limited. He had two choices: Tyler Junior College or a late offer from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). At UIW, he initially played as a slot receiver, but the depth chart was crowded with talent. Opportunities were scarce, and he found himself sidelined. However, fate intervened when injuries opened the door for him to transition to running back. It was a turning point.
In his first full season as a running back, Taylor rushed for 909 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.0 yards per carry. He was on the brink of a 1,000-yard season when a hand injury sidelined him for the last three games. Yet, in those moments of adversity, he found clarity. He realized he could play at a high level. He was ready to show the world who he truly was.
Football is a game of contact, and for Taylor, the hits are not just part of the game; they are moments of awakening. He recalls how getting tackled can jolt him into a higher gear. It’s a metaphor for life—sometimes, it takes a hit to ignite the fire within. Taylor's love for the game blossomed later than most. Initially, he shied away from football, preferring baseball. But once he returned to the gridiron in eighth grade, he discovered a passion that would drive him forward.
Now, as he joins the CU Buffs, Taylor steps into a competitive running back room. He faces returning players like Dallan Hayden, Micah Welch, and Charlie Offerdahl, along with Coastal Carolina transfer Simeon Price. Each player brings a unique skill set to the table, creating a melting pot of talent. Taylor sees this diversity as a strength. In a team sport, different talents can shine at different times, and he is ready to contribute.
Taylor's versatility may also see him utilized in the return game, a role he excelled in at UIW. The prospect of contributing in multiple ways excites him. He understands that every opportunity is a chance to prove himself. His journey has been marked by patience and perseverance, and he is eager to embrace whatever role comes his way.
Reflecting on his journey, Taylor acknowledges the divine intervention that has shaped his path. He feels blessed to have found a place where he can thrive. The doors that have opened for him are a testament to his hard work and faith. He is not just a player; he is a symbol of hope for those who feel overlooked.
As the CU Buffs prepare for the upcoming season, Taylor's story serves as a reminder that talent can emerge from unexpected places. He embodies the spirit of the underdog, a player who has fought against the odds to carve out his niche. In a sport that often celebrates the giants, Taylor is a beacon for those who dare to dream big, regardless of their size.
The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but for Dekalon Taylor, it is also filled with promise. He is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. With each practice, each game, he will strive to leave his mark on the field. The CU Buffs have welcomed a player who is not just looking to make a name for himself but to inspire others along the way.
In the grand tapestry of college football, Taylor's journey is a vibrant thread. It weaves together themes of resilience, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As he dons the black and gold of the Buffs, he carries with him the hopes of many who believe that size does not define success. In the game of football, as in life, it’s the heart that truly matters. And Dekalon Taylor has a heart that beats louder than any obstacle in his path.