NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Phil Steele has named two members of Vanderbilt’s defense preseason All-SEC. CJ Taylor was named third-team safety while linebacker Langston Patterson was selected to the fourth team.
Taylor was named a fourth-team All-SEC selection by Steele last fall after making 55 tackles, 7.5 for loss and two interceptions. He was fourth among SEC linebackers with a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 80.2 and will transition to safety this season.
The McMinnville, Tennessee, native had interceptions against Georgia and Florida last season, while contributing 10 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the effort at Wake Forest.
Patterson led the Commodores in tackles last season, including a team-high in tackles against Tennessee, South Carolina, Auburn and Ole Miss. Against the Rebels, he recorded his first career sack, forced a fumble and had an interception while making nine tackles to earn a spot on the Pro Football Focus Defensive Team of the Week.
The Nashville native has played in all but one game over his first two seasons with Vandy. He’s made 79 career tackles, 8.0 for loss, along with one sack and one interception.
The Commodores open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 when Virginia Tech visits FirstBank Stadium (11 a.m. on ESPN). Visit Ticketing Central for information on season tickets, mini-plans and group tickets.
