Darius Taylor's return a much-needed boost for Gophers struggling offense
After being in and out of the lineup this season due to injury, Minnesota star running back Darius Taylor returned last Friday against the Oregon Ducks and immediately reminded everyone why he’s the heartbeat of the Gophers offense. Taylor totaled 57 rushing yards on 10 carries while adding four receptions for 40 yards—nearly half of Minnesota’s 200 total yards in the game.
The Gophers’ sparkplug offensively has not had the season many had hoped for, playing in seven of 10 games and having a true role in only four of those appearances. The versatile Taylor, entering 2025, was hoping to build off a tremendous 2024 campaign in which he totaled 968 rushing yards on 205 carries and led the team with 54 receptions for 350 yards. By season’s end, he had amassed 259 touches for 1,336 yards and 12 touchdowns.
While redshirt freshman Fame Ijeboi and senior Cam Davis have been admirable in Taylor’s absences, neither has been able to replicate the spark he brings to the offense. Through 10 games, Minnesota ranks 104th in scoring offense (22.7 points per game) and 128th in total offense (301.8 yards per game).
On Wednesday, Minnesota offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr., quarterback Drake Lindsey, and Taylor himself discussed his return.
“His skill set gives us versatility,” Harbaugh said. “Screens, motions, routes — he can do everything. He looks dramatically different than he did 12 months ago. Better twitch, more explosion. He’s worked nonstop on his body despite the setbacks.”
“He’s an all-purpose back,” he continued. “You love having him in protections because he’s so smart with pressure IDs. And when you get him the ball in space, guys bounce off him.”
For Lindsey, Taylor provides stability and confidence for the offense.
“He’s special,” Lindsey said. “When he’s out there, it’s a big boost for the offense and for me. He’s like a safety blanket.”
“He makes every single catch as a running back—most backs don’t,” Lindsey continued. “He wins against linebackers, corners, safeties, makes great cuts, doesn’t drop the ball. A guy like that can win matchups and also be that third-and-eight check down who can get a first down. It’s really special having him back there.”
Taylor, in his first game, was tied for the Gophers’ lead in targets with seven, alongside wide receiver Jalen Smith.
“That’s not something I really think about, necessarily being the number one feature,” Taylor said. “The biggest thing is just doing what I can to help the team win.”
Taylor is willing to take on whatever role Greg Harbaugh Jr. has in store for him that game.
“If that means going out at receiver or being in the backfield or taking 30 carries, yes, it was great to go out there, catch the ball, feel like myself and do what I love to do. Just help the team win, catch the ball, run the ball, do what I can to just be great.”
Notably this season, Taylor has only surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark twice in a game, totaling 141 yards against Buffalo in Week 1 before totaling 148 rushing yards against Nebraska last month.
This weekend, Taylor will have a quality opportunity to cross the century mark again as the Gophers will be facing a struggling Northwestern run defense that has allowed 150.1 rushing yards per game this season.
The Gophers’ rushing attack has been kept quiet most of the season, averaging just 105 rushing yards per game.
What will it take to get the rushing attack going, according to Taylor?
“Mindset,” he said simply. “Making running the ball our identity. It is our identity. It’s what we pride ourselves on. It’s something that’s always been. If we’re gonna run the ball, the biggest thing is just the mindset — going out there and just doing it, executing at the highest level.”
Minnesota will look to reclaim their identity that has been absent for much of the season on Saturdat against Northwestern, kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Join Gophers Nation for ELITE Minnesota football coverage!
GophersNation.com provides everything that passionate Minnesota fans expect and want: Wall-to-wall coverage of Gophers athletics and recruiting.
Join the Gophers Nation community and receive all the benefits that come with it:
- Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love.
- Interact with other passionate Gophers fans on our Inside Gophers Nation board
- Exclusive access to the Gophers Nation staff, who are always ready to answer your questions.
- Access to the premier network in college athletics (On3 + Rivals)
- Plus much more!
SIGN UP: Join GophersNation’s Minnesota community today for $1.
