*Get to know LT

[Tayjay]

Code:

1.5x media

Defensive End, Leonard Taylor , is looking to be another dominant pass rusher in the long line of great Yellowknife defensive lineman. After modest production in this first two professional seasons, Leonard set out to make a statement as the best defensive end in the league.

"My third full year in the International Simulation Football league has come to an end and it is the first time I feel like I have been a real contributor in this league. My first two seasons have been ok but have left much to be desired. I have always wanted to be the future sack leader, and while it not be the overall leader I did at least lead all defensive ends."

So looking back on your move from linebacker to defensive end, are you happy you made the change or are you sad that aren't piling up stats like some other linebackers in the league.

"It was a very hard decision for me to move from linebacker to defensive end but I thought that it was necessary to reach my full potential. It seems that a lot of players move to linebacker but not really away from linebacker since it is such a demanding position. I had the TPE to play the position but after two lack luster statistical seasons as a linebacker in the DSFL, and a big need for defensive end in Yellowknife it just seemed like an obvious choice to move. This team has great general managers and after long discussion with them it just seemed like it made the most sense. While I do miss roaming the middle of the field, I get way more enjoyment out of taking the quarterbacks down and causing havoc in the backfield."

So how do you think you have performed this year compared to the last couple?

"Well my sack total almost doubled from this past year to this current so I'd say pretty well haha. If you look at the defensive end leaderboards over the last 3 seasons, I have the second most sacks for our position group. The tackle numbers are there and the sacks but I really need to work on my tackles for loss. I also worked on my strip sacks a little bit more this season which I think was definitely a point of emphasis for our defense. We want to try and create as many turnover chances as possible so I would say I definitely improved in that aspect. I was also able to get a couple safeties as well."

So what would you say is your favorite thing about being a defensive end?

"I think it's just such a thankless position. A lot of times I won't show up in the box scores or maybe I won't be the one that makes the play but I like to be physical at the line of scrimmage and point of attack. When I was a linebacker I could initiate a lot of contact or use my speed but at the defensive end position I think I'm just a nightmare matchup if I'm being honest. I don't think there is one tackle out there that can match up with me. They may keep me in check for most of the game, but if I'm doing my job that means that someone else is able to get to the quarterback or ball carrier. My ability to play sideline to sideline in the DSFL as a linebacker showed my speed potential and now I get to use it to create an edge or get around these lumbering tackles."

Right now we have you at 37th all time for defensive ends with 31 sacks. Where do you see your career numbers ending up, or is there anyone in particular you are looking to pass?

Well I think passing Cho is first on my list. He is the all time sack leader for defensive ends here in Yellowknife, but he is also very high up on that list. So if I can get there that would be a great start. I still have a long way to go but after I get past Cho I think trying to get to 70 or 80 is definitely within reason. I want to be the best but I know there is a lot of hard work ahead of me and I need to put in the work to stay the course. It also helps being a really good team like the Wraiths!"

Speaking of your current team, you basically signed a life time contract with them before the season. What does that say about how you feel about Yellowknife?

"Well obviously I'm happy! I wouldn't have signed it if I wasn't. There are possible outs but I can't think of a reason I would use it. We have only made the playoffs in one of the three seasons I have been up here but we finished both of the "bad" seasons at 10-6. The fact we didn't make the playoffs those two years is pretty crazy. Our conference is brutal and it goes to show that there is a ton of talent here. The other season we won the Ultimus, and the year I was drafted we won it as well. So I think that Leonard Taylor fits in perfectly with what the Wraiths are trying to do. I have had great conversations with the guys and even played with a few in the DSFL so I'm very familiar with the locker room. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else!"

So how does it feel to be picked as a nominee for multiple awards this offseason?

"First of all it's awesome to just even be nominated. That shows that I have the respect of my peers and other players in the league. Of course I'd rather have us playing for another Ultimus but by playing at such a high level it allows our team, and specifically the defense, to put us in a position to win games. There are also a number of players that I think are very deserving of these awards. While I'll obviously put my name at the top it is an honor to be picked. At the same time I'm just trying to add to my trophy cabinet. I've got an Ultimini and an Ultimus so any personal awards would be awesome to have. I will say that I think it's just the beginning of what could be a string of nominations."

[allbetsonjames]

@Tayjay this is missing the 1037 word minimum for the 1.5x media. I have it clocked in at 924 if you wanted to add to it.

[Net]

TayJay making beast in ISFL and PBE