MIAMI — Jason Taylor isn’t concerned about measurables, projections or outside criticism when it comes to two of his former players.
The Miami Hurricanes defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer made it clear Tuesday that defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor have what it takes to succeed at the next level.
“They got everything,” Taylor said. “They have the mental makeup. They love football. Those two guys love ball.”
Bain and Mesidor are projected first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft after anchoring a dominant Hurricanes defensive front during last season’s national championship run.
The duo combined for 117 tackles, 22 sacks and five forced fumbles, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
Mesidor led the way with 63 tackles and 12.5 sacks, while Bain added 54 tackles and 9.5 sacks. They also totaled 33 pressures and seven sacks in three College Football Playoff games.
For Taylor, their production is only part of the story.
“The way they work, their love for football and the love to be successful, they fell in love with the process of being great,” he said. “Everybody wants to be great. Everyone says they want to be great, not everyone falls in love with that process. Everyone wants to go to heaven but not everyone wants to die.”
Taylor dismissed concerns surrounding both players ahead of the draft.
Bain’s arm length — measured at 30⅞ inches — is considered undersized for an edge rusher, while Mesidor will turn 25 on April 5, making him one of the older prospects in the class.
“I don’t give a damn how long somebody’s arms are,” Taylor said. “Put on the tape.”
Instead, he pointed to their consistency and approach, noting neither player relied on pre-draft workouts to boost their stock.
“They didn’t train for a pro day.” Taylor said. “They don’t train for a pageant.”
With Bain and Mesidor expected to move on, Taylor said the focus for Miami’s returning defensive linemen is simple: earn their roles.
“The next step is to compete,” he said. “Nothing’s promised to anybody.”
Taylor highlighted several players expected to step into larger roles, including Damon Wilson II, Marquise Lightfoot and Armondo Blount at defensive end, along with Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten Sr. on the interior.
“Everyone assumed that they (Bain, Mesidor) were going to be the guys, but they had to go out and earn it, and they did it every day,” Taylor said. “It’d be the same way this year — go earn what you get.”
As for Taylor, he said his passion for coaching continues to grow.
“I love being around the guys,” he said. “I love getting the chance to get on the grass and in the classroom and teach and teach and teach and coach.”
And when it comes to Bain and Mesidor’s future, Taylor believes their mindset will ultimately define their success.
“Everyone wants to be great, but not everyone’s willing to do what it takes to be great,” he said. “Those two guys love it. That’s why they’ll be really good.”
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