Senior running back helps Purdue win the Bucket
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/23/2009
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BLOOMINGTON, IND. – Although he spent the first 11 games of his senior season as a backup, one Purdue running back played a huge role in the Boilers’ victory in Bloomington on Saturday.
Jaycen Taylor ended his Purdue career in style, rushing for 110 yards and receiving for another 59. Taylor had been solid all year coming off the bench to relieve sophomore Ralph Bolden, who was enjoying a breakout season. But when it appeared Bolden would not be ready to go during the week, Taylor was ready to step in and help Purdue win.
“We were hoping to get Ralph back so that he could finish off the year since he’s had such a great year,” Taylor said. “I just came in and stepped up when I was called on.”
Taylor did far more than just fill in admirably. He carried the Purdue offense, accounting for over half Purdue’s total offensive yards. He also kick-started Purdue’s offense, catching a six-yard touchdown pass on a check down from senior quarterback Joey Elliott.
“We have seniors stepping up across the board; that guy over there, Jaycen Taylor, heck of a job,” Elliott said. “He put us on his back and carried us.”
But it was not just the big plays that made Taylor so valuable to Purdue on Saturday. Despite his size, Taylor ran hard between the tackles, dragging and spinning away from would-be tacklers, picking up tough yardage. Before Purdue began to just run out the clock, Taylor was averaging over seven yards per carry, and Indiana seemed to need three or four defenders to bring him down.
Coach Danny Hope had high praise for his senior after the victory.
“I want to talk about Jaycen Taylor because he epitomizes what football and coaching is all about,” Hope said. “He was injured last year, and we added some talent. He had to come back and compete, and compete hard, to get back on the field. Anything we’ve asked him to do to help us win, he has.”
After the game, Taylor was asked to describe how he felt about the end to his Purdue career.
“Bittersweet,” Taylor said with a chuckle. “I made the best of my opportunities at Purdue, and that’s all I have. ... The main thing coming up here was to able to go out and celebrate with our Bucket.”