J’Mari Taylor, a standout running back for the University of Virginia, has captivated fans with his impressive football skills and unique personal interests. Last week, he delivered a remarkable performance against Virginia Tech, increasing his notoriety as a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player. However, Taylor’s journey to becoming a celebrated athlete includes a surprising visit to Legoland last March.
Reflecting on the trip, Taylor shared, “Man, they had the big dragon Lego in the water and stuff. That place was amazing!” The 150-acre theme park in Central Florida, which he visited with family including his 9-year-old brother, Ohaji, sparked a newfound interest in Lego building for Taylor.
“I went in there,” Taylor recounted, “and I was like, ‘Oh, I got to get this. I got to do that.’ So, I did it. Got a Batman, got a car … and here we are today.”
As Taylor prepares for the ACC Championship Game against Duke, he is just three yards shy of a significant milestone: becoming the 16th player in UVA history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Additionally, he is already among the elite, being the seventh player to score 14 touchdowns in a single season.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Taylor, originally from Charlotte, is known for his eclectic range of hobbies and interests. He owns a pet snake named Batman and a cane corso dog named Ayla. His adventurous spirit is evident in his tattoo collection of movie villains and the annual cruises he takes with his family. “And,” he said, “what’s crazy is next year, you’ll probably see me with a monkey. I’ve started to look into it.”
Taylor’s roommate, Suderian Harrison, a UVA receiver, commented on his unique personality, saying, “J’Mari, he’s a one-of-a-kind guy. Special dude.” Taylor describes himself as “curious,” a trait that has fueled his passion for Legos since his memorable visit to Legoland.
Dedicated to his craft, Taylor has completed a 750-piece Batman and is working on a 1,450-piece Camaro model, though he paused his building activities at the start of the football season. “Legos would stress me out too much,” he admitted, highlighting his commitment to focus on football.
Taylor appreciates the mental challenge that comes with assembling Lego sets. “I love how Legos get me to think,” he said. Currently pursuing a leadership certificate at UVA, Taylor values the intricate process of following directions and the satisfaction of completing a project.
Taylor’s path to football success began without a scholarship at North Carolina Central University, a historically Black college in Durham. As the first in his family to attend college, Taylor’s journey reflects his appreciation for the small things in life and his relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the field.
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