| 49 Ryan Taylor |
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• Set the UNC single-season record for most receptions by a tight end (36) in 2010
• Earned UNC Coaches' Player of the Week honors after wins over Duke and Tennessee in 2010
Outstanding special teams player who has played tight end and linebacker at UNC • One of the most physical players on the team • Special teams captain in 2008 and 2010.
2010 - Senior Season
Versatile player who has played offense, defense and special teams during his career and has become a valuable contributor at the H-back position as a senior • Set the UNC single-season school record for most receptions by a tight end with 36 • The previous mark was set by Zack Pianalto (33) in 2009 • Finished the year with 36 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns in his first season on offense • Had career high numbers for the third straight game in Carolina's 30-27 double-overtime victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl • Had a team-high nine catches for 85 yards, including a long of 18, against the Volunteers •Posted six catches for 75 yards in the win at Duke • Had five receptions and 57 yards against NC State • Caught two balls for 34 yards in the win at Florida State • Had three catches for 19 yards and his second touchdown of the season, a 3-yarder in the fourth quarter, against William & Mary • Had two receptions for 13 yards at Miami • Finished with two catches and nine yards in the win over Clemson • Also caught two balls for six yards against East Carolina • Scored his first career touchdown in the win at Rutgers • In addition to his 6-yard scoring catch, finished with three receptions for 16 yards • Had one catch against both Georgia Tech and LSU.
2009 - Redshirt Season
Redshirted after a suffering a knee injury in fall camp.
2008 - Junior Season
Earned UNC's special teams captain honors along with Matt Merletti • Posted 19 tackles, primarily on special teams, but also as a reserve linebacker • Had one tackle in the bowl game vs. West Virginia • Became the first Tar Heel in recent memory to play on offense (tight end), defense (linebacker) and special teams in the same game when he did so against NC State • Had two kickoff returns for 18 yards as the upback • Had a season-high four tackles in the win vs. Connecticut • Also had three tackles against NC State • Is one of the hardest-hitting players on the team and plays with relentless tenacity.
2007 - Sophomore Season
Posted five tackles on the season • Recovered a blocked punt against James Madison to set up an Anthony Elzy touchdown run • Named one of the team's special teams players of the week for his efforts vs. the Dukes.
2006 - Freshman Season
One of four true freshmen to see playing time • Played in 11 games primarily on special teams • Had four tackles, including two solo stops and two assists • Both primary tackles came at Clemson.
Mount Tabor High School
Member of North Carolina's Shrine Bowl team • Considered the No. 21 player in North Carolina by The Charlotte Observer • Ranked the No. 47 tight end in the country by Rivals.com • Two-time all-conference selection • Helped lead Mount Tabor to a 12-2 record and the quarterfinals of the 4-A state championships in 2005 • Was instrumental in Mount Tabor's quarterfinal appearance in 2004 • Mount Tabor also played for the state title in his sophomore season • Set school single-season records with 64 receptions for 1,180 yards and scored 13 touchdowns as a senior • Also rushed 13 times for 85 yards and scored three times • Returned nine kickoffs for 177 yards and 16 punts for 111 yards • Caught 54 passes for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior • Also played defensive end • Coached by Bob Sapp • Turned down lacrosse scholarship offers to play football at North Carolina.
Personal
Son of Bobbi and David Taylor • Born November 16, 1987 • Communications major • Would most like to appear on the TV show "Entourage" • Would like to be a guest on "The View" • Most embarrassing moment was getting hit at Miami on the kickoff • Favorite food is any Chinese • If he owned a racehorse, he would name it, "Out In Front" • Began playing football when he was five years old because he wanted to wear the pads • Has a golden retriever named "MacGregor" • Is interested in a career in law enforcement • Would most like to appear on the cover of GQ magazine • Favorite musical artist is George Strait.
Year Pri A Total TFL SACKS INT PBU FF FR
2006 2 2 4 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0
2007 5 0 5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0
2008 12 7 19 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0
Totals 19 9 28 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0
Year Rec. Yards Avg. TD LP
2010 36 330 9.2 2 27
Totals 36 330 9.2 2 27
Career Highs: 9 receptions vs. Tennessee (2010); 85 receiving yards vs. Tennessee (2010); 4 tackles at Connecticut (2008)
