UC Tight End Leonard Taylor Opts Out Of Fenway Bowl

The Bearcats veteran is ready to turn pro.

CINCINNATI — UC is now down both starting tight ends for the 2022 Fenway Bowl against Louisville on Saturday. Senior tight end Leonard Taylor is opting out of the contest to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

"To my coaches, I'm thankful for the amount of belief, trust, and faith you had in me," Taylor said to close his goodbye. "I respect every coach that has pushed me to reach my potential and made me the best athlete on the field. Thank you for also pushing me to be an amazing student and man. You all have helped me become the person I am today, and I'm forever thankful for that.

"With that being said, I have decided to opt out of the bowl game, and I will be entering my name into the 2023 NFL Draft. I can't wait to see what the next chapter of my life holds."

The senior returned for his final year of eligibility in 2022 and completed a nice five-year career. He helped anchor multiple AAC title offenses as a blocker and pass catcher. 

Taylor posted 18 catches for 170 yards and 2 scores this season to round out a career total of 69 catches, for 697 yards and 8 TDs.

The consensus big board currently has Taylor outside the drafted-player pool at No. 459 overall. A strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl would help him start the climb up.

Cincinnati is now left with four tight ends on the roster as Chamon Metayer and Payten Singletary figure to lead UC on that front. Those two could also make a strong push for starting roles in 2023.

Metayer is a talented player but saw action in just 5 games this season with 1 catch for 32 yards. He was rated a top-25 athlete in his class and should get every chance to be the No. 1 tight end in this game as a redshirt freshman.

Singletary had 2 catches for 22 yards in 2021 but did not record any receiving stats this year across 11 games played.

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