Yesterday we looked at a lineman that was in college recently and today we stick with that theme. For day 68 we look at an athletic offensive tackle that played his college ball in Columbus, Ohio and now protects Jared Goff in Detroit.
Taylor Decker was a four star recruit coming out of Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio. Decker originally committed to play football for MY Notre Dame Fighting Irish but in the end flipped to play for his home state Buckeyes. Decker had a far commute though to Ohio State going a while eleven minutes north.
When he got on campus as a true freshman, Decker played in all twelve games for the Buckeyes. He mostly served as a special teamer but did play twenty two offensive snaps. When his sophomore year rolled around, Decker took over as the starting right tackle and played in all fourteen games.
The next season in 2014 as a junior, Decker made the move to left tackle. He was the only Buckeye starting offensive lineman to return from the 2013 season.
His final season was a bug one for Decker. He started all fifteen games and blocked for current Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot. He was a key reason why the Buckeyes won the 2015 National Championship against Oregon.
Decker ended his career with a handful of accolades. One time All BIG Ten Second Team, one time All BIG Ten First Team, 2015 All American, and 2015 BIG Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Tomorrow, we stay on the theme of recent players with a center from Aaron Donald’s alma mater.