SAD NEWS: Nebraska Cornhuskers World-class star involved in a dangerous injury that may lead to a career end

That includes when Taylor had to make a difficult phone call to inform Cooper of his knee injury, not knowing if the Huskers would still honor his commitment or not.

“When he talked to coach Cooper and let him know about the injury, they were really supportive,” Howell said. “Knowing Coach Rhule still wanted him was a blessing, and it speaks volumes to who Coach Rhule is and the type of character he has.”

The rehab process has already been a long one for Taylor. His injury was initially severe enough that he had to spend several weeks immobilized at home prior to undergoing surgery. With damage to a trio of ligaments in his knee, Taylor first had surgery to repair his MCL, while doctors felt his PCL could heal on its own.

After the initial surgery, Taylor was finally able to rejoin his teammates on the sidelines and was visibly determined to “make the best of the situation,” according to Howell. That meant attacking the rehab process head-on, with multiple two-hour sessions every week aiming to help Taylor regain strength and flexibility in his knee.

After undergoing a second and final surgery earlier this month to repair his injured ACL, Taylor can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s definitely been difficult to get through this mentally, just missing my senior season and not being out there,” Taylor said. “And going through this, it’s been a slow process to get through it all, but things are definitely getting better.”

Taylor will continue his recovery inside the Nebraska football facility starting in January as an early enrollee. Taylor is hopeful he will be able to at least participate lightly in NU’s spring camp, but he will almost certainly not be a full participant. A goal of being fully cleared for fall practice continues to motivate Taylor throughout a healing process that has made him grow emotionally stronger, according to Howell.

The physical strength will return soon enough, with Nebraska coaches excited about the potential Taylor shows as a future defensive back.

As for Taylor, he’s counting down the days until he can officially sign his letter of intent as a member of Nebraska’s 2024 recruiting class and begin his Husker career.

“I’m really excited; I’ve been thinking about it every day for a while now, and I can’t wait to get up there and meet my new family,” Taylor said. “I’m definitely ready to go.”