Nick Taylor moves back to corner for WVU football, reuniting with familiar faces
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MORGANTOWN -- Nick Taylor played 11 games for West Virginia football as a sophomore. Taylor came over after playing corner for Appalachian State as a true freshman, logging 147 snaps. Taylor had a productive 11 games in his first season for the Mountaineers, but he played safety, changing positions. He had 20 tackles on the season, including 11 unassisted tackles and an interception, which was his first of his career.
"It was amazing," Taylor said. "One of my childhood dreams to be on a big stage and get a pick. Hopefully, get some more this year."
This year, Taylor is moving back to corner, which he played at App State. He logged one pass breakup at corner his true freshman year there.
The Mountaineers had a lot of reworking and rebuilding to do in the secondary. Multiple pieces either transferred or graduated from last year. Rodriguez used the transfer portal to beef up the defensive backs, adding length, and the safety room is a lot more crowded. Even 4-star true freshman Matt Sieg will contribute at safety in some way.
Taylor would find more playing time at corner this year.
“They felt like I was better at corner this year," Taylor said.
The adjustment hasn't been hard at all. He played corner in 2024, and that's what he was originally recruited to play.
"It’s been good," Taylor said. "When I came in here, I was a corner, so it was an easy movement. Coming from safety last year, it’s a good adjustment because I know everything."
It's helped Taylor have more knowledge of the secondary. It's the same scheme from last season under defensive coordinator Zac Alley, so he knows if he has safety help on plays, or if he's on an island. Swapping around positions was a big part of early camp. Rodriguez had offensive and defensive linemen switching around, and had bigger receivers learn to play in the slot.
It makes it easier to put the best 11 on the field when everyone is so versatile.
"I know where safety is at all the time, and once you know everybody’s job, it’s much easier," Taylor said.
Taylor now gets to play alongside who looks to be WVU's top corner, Chams Diagne. Diagne transferred this offseason from Georgia State and brings much-needed size to the outmatched room last year. Diagne is 6-foot-3 and has multiple years of experience under his belt. He started in six games in 2025 and had 25 tackles and three pass breakups. Diagne even had a career high in tackles against Ole Miss and James Madison, who were both in the College Football Playoff.
Taylor and Diagne have history, growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. They had similar childhood friends.
"Chams, that's my dog," Taylor said. "We've known each other for a long time. Very big corner, physical corner. He's gonna be good this year... We're kind of like on the same page. He's my friend off the field. We're friends on the field. I want to see him succeed. He wants to see me succeed."
Taylor's position swap also puts him back in cornerback coach Rod West's room. West came over with Taylor from App State.
"Me and Rod West, we go way back," Taylor said. "I know what he wants from a cornerback, and he knows what I bring to the table. It's a good connection there."
The move back to corner makes Taylor a lot more comfortable with a lot more familiar faces around him. It should bode well for WVU, who allowed the most passing yards per game in the Big 12 in 2025.
He brings experience and another lengthy corner at 6-foot-1 to the secondary.
"Very unique skill set, physical kid," West said. "Felt like we need to get him on the field, and he's versatile. We kind of transitioned him to play some nickel, and he plays some safety as well. But we feel like cornerback is his natural position. Great football player."