He finally returned healthy in the fall and surpassed fellow transfers Sieh Bangura from Ohio and Jaren Mangham from Michigan State, rising to No. 2 on the depth chart.
Taylor, who rushed for 799 yards in only six games as a freshman last season, is one of the Big Ten’s top rushers when healthy, but Fleck might not need to rely on him until the Sept. 21 league opener vs. Iowa.
Fleck said Taylor “looks great” in practice and seems “very, very close” to making his season debut, but the Gophers have enough depth to take their time. Don’t be surprised if Major gets more opportunities to showcase his version of No. 24 in maroon and gold.
“Everybody’s going to have to be ready for their turn and take advantage of it,” Fleck said. “Marcus is going to continue to get better. He’s definitely one of our difference-makers.”
