Neal Brown Expects Big Things from TE Kole Taylor, Refers to Him as ‘Open by Birth’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – When WVU football added transfer tight end Kole Taylor, it sparked a level of intrigue about what it could mean for the West Virginia offense. It’s now appearing like Taylor could offer something the Mountaineers haven’t had during the Neal Brown era.

Taylor, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 250 pounds, is bringing three years and 32 games of experience with him from LSU. However, only seven of those 32 games were starts, and he recorded just 17 career catches for 159 yards and only one touchdown. So why are some people so optimistic and excited about Taylor joining West Virginia? It’s because of his potential.

Taylor’s potential has him being an all around tight end who can impact both the running and passing game. He can block, but he can also catch, and that’s the dimension that WVU hasn’t really had in years from the position. Injuries marred most of Mike O’Laughlin’s time in Morgantown. And whether or not O’Laughlin decided to retire and then transfer, it was time for a change.

Brown referred to Taylor as “open by birth” while describing what he’s already seen from the former three-star prospect out of Grand Junction, Colorado. Taylor actually played wide receiver in high school. He was even called “a natural pass catcher” in his bio on LSU’s athletic website.

Taylor may fit what WVU is trying to do more than he did at LSU in the SEC too. No matter who ends up as the starting quarterback, the Mountaineers are going to have a true dual threat under center for the first time in a long time. And with so much production coming back from last year’s successful ground game, it’s a safe bet there will be an emphasis on running the ball with Chad Scott leading the offense.

WVU OC Chad Scott Excited About Idea of Dual Threat QB Leading Mountaineers

That means the tight end could be a key piece when either Garrett Greene or Nicco Marchiol does look to pass. Taylor could bail out the team and be a chain move when called upon. His size even makes him a threat to gain extra yards after the catch as well. Brown mentioned that the offense failed to use the tight ends enough in the flats and as vertical options. Taylor may now make that easier for West Virginia to accomplish.