ARIZONA FOOTBALL

Arizona’s J.J. Taylor measures under 5-foot-6 at combine, gets Cohen comp

Feb 25, 2020, 2:22 PM

The 2019 NFL Draft Combine was all about the one inch.

Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray stood above 5-foot-10, certifying he was just tall enough not to red-flag his prospects as an NFL quarterback. Judging from his success after being drafted first by the Arizona Cardinals and winning the AP Rookie of the Year Award, he broke some barriers for future quarterbacks.

As for the running back position, short is not a red flag. And short many of the running backs were on Tuesday as players were measured and weighed for the 2020 draft.

Arizona Wildcats product J.J. Taylor came out on top in terms of standing close to the bottom. He measured in well under 5-foot-6.

NFL Network’s Terrell Davis, a California native, has kept his eye on the former Corona, Calif., running back and name-dropped Taylor as a player to watch as the combine ramps up with drills in the coming days.

“I watched him for a long time. What I like about him is that he’s small — about 5-6 — but he’s got a huge heart,” Davis said. “He reminds me a little bit of (Chicago Bears receiver) Tarik Cohen … in terms of his ability to shift, but he’s got a little more wiggle room in his running ability. I think he’s going to look really good in those drills in terms of 20-yard shuttle, three-cone drill, maybe the 40 (-yard dash).”

Taylor rushed for 3,263 yards and 18 touchdowns (5.6 yards per carry) in four years in Tucson, adding 487 receiving yards and two more touchdowns.

He will join the running backs on the practice field for combine workouts this Friday in Indianapolis.

Arizona Football

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Ricky Pearsall #WO23 of the Florida Gators speaks to the media du...

David Veenstra

Where did former Arizona high school players land in the NFL Draft?

Eight former Arizona high school football players were taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Here is where they landed:

2 days ago

Tight end Tanner McLachlan #84 of the Arizona Wildcats makes a reception against defensive back Ro ...

Damon Allred

Where did former ASU Sun Devils and Arizona Wildcats land in the NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and several players who played collegiately in Arizona are now slated to play on Sundays.

2 days ago

Arizona Wildcats TE Tanner McLachlan...

Vincent DeAngelis

Cincinnati Bengals pick Arizona TE Tanner McLachlan in 2024 NFL Draft

Former Arizona and Southern Utah tight end Tanner McLachlan was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 194th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

3 days ago

Wide receiver Jacob Cowing...

Vincent DeAngelis

San Francisco 49ers select Arizona’s Jacob Cowing with 135th pick in 2024 NFL Draft

Former Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jacob Cowing was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the 135th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

3 days ago

Jordan Morgan...

Arizona Sports

Arizona OL Jordan Morgan picked by Packers in NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers selected Arizona Wildcats product Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday.

5 days ago

The Arizona State Sun Devils...

Associated Press

NCAA to grant immediate eligibility for athletes no matter how many times they transfer

NCAA athletes are now eligible to play immediately no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements.

8 days ago

Arizona’s J.J. Taylor measures under 5-foot-6 at combine, gets Cohen comp