 After graduating from Lafayette High School in 1977 , Taylor attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a team captain , and wore No. 98 . Originally recruited as a defensive lineman , Taylor switched to linebacker before the 1979 season . He had 16 sacks in his final year there ( 1980 ) , and set numerous defensive records . He was recognized as a consensus first @-@ team All @-@ American and the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year in 1980 . While there the coaching staff marveled at his intense , reckless style of play . " As a freshman playing on special teams , he 'd jump a good six or seven feet in the air to block a punt , then land on the back of his neck " , said North Carolina assistant coach Bobby Cale . " He was reckless , just reckless . " UNC later retired Taylor 's jersey . 
