When it comes to the Miami defense, Leonard Taylor III gives fans a lot to look forward to. He was named as a potential breakout candidate for 2023 by PFF’s Trevor Sikkema.

Taylor accumulated 24 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 1 interception in 12 games played last season. Taylor had quite the season in 2022.

PFF is high on Taylor and believes his production will have a big jump in 2023:

At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Taylor was one of Miami’s best defenders last season. He earned an 87.8 overall grade to go with an 85.3 pass-rush grade. On 154 pass-rush snaps, he recorded four sacks, six quarterback hits, 25 total pressures and a 19.5% pass-rush win percentage. He’s a player we’re keeping our eyes on to have a big jump in production in 2023.

247Sports ranked Taylor as a 5-star DL from the 2021 class. He was also the No. 3 DL and No. 1 prospect from his home state of Florida in his class.

Mario Cristobal did not make it to a bowl game in his first year as the HC at Miami. The Hurricanes ended the regular season at 5-7.

Miami was 5-5 heading into the final two games of the season against Clemson and Pitt. However, the Hurricanes lost both contests and didn’t qualify for bowl season.

If Taylor can continue his production, offensive linemen are going to have problems containing him.