During each of the last two seasons, the Virginia football team could send a pair of versatile bookends on to the field at outside linebacker together. Charles Snowden and Noah Taylor lined up across the field from each other and caused a lot of headaches for opposing offenses. While half of the pair is gone – Snowden signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad in the NFL – the other half returns so the headaches will continue for offensive coordinators.

How big will that headache be? Taylor enters his third year as a starter and defensive linchpin for UVA. His experience and ability alone will create a certain level of production that’s already solid, but there’s still room for an even bigger impact. That’s the starting point for this “50 Thoughts Before Virginia Football Kickoff” article – “What Would A Really Big Year Look Like For Noah Taylor At Virginia?”

Interestingly enough, despite Taylor’s credentials and recognizability, there’s been surprisingly little discussion about him this preseason. Even The Sabre Podcast’s defensive preview didn’t spend that much time discussing his role or potential impact. It could be a certain level of taking his production for granted. It could be the secondary issues from last season soaked up most of the attention. It could be lingering uncertainty with some back issues. Whatever it is, though, Taylor hasn’t been the center of conversation ahead of the season opener.

Taylor might like it that way. Described as being obsessed with football and a film devotee, the silence probably suited him. Already motivated by a season that fell short of expectations at both a team and individual level, the absent limelight may have afforded the veteran linebacker the opportunity to lock in even more. If a healthier and more determined Taylor emerges in 2021, it’s possible that could lead to Taylor’s best season yet at Virginia. That would be a very good thing for a defense trying to re-establish itself.

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