Flowery Branch — Tony Taylor, an undrafted free agent from the University of Georgia, will start at middle linebacker for the Falcons in their exhibition season opener at Jacksonville on Saturday.

"Tony is looking good," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He's been playing the [middle] linebacker for us and he's done a nice job in communicating. It will be a great opportunity for him as the starting [middle] linebacker in this first game."

Taylor, in his second year with the Falcons, is battling Curtis Lofton, the team's second-round draft pick this season, for the starting spot. Both have spent time working with the No. 1 unit in practice.

"Tony has a good feel for our defense," defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said. "Of course, Curtis is learning as a rookie. Curtis will continue to get better."

The Falcons moved Keith Brooking back to weakside linebacker after he played the middle position for most of the past three seasons.

"You've got to kind of take it in stride," Taylor said. "You've got to go out there and show what you can do. At the same time, you've got to gain the trust of the older guys, [Brooking], Lawdog [Lawyer Milloy] and Abe [John Abraham]. You have to show them that you can function in their defense, make plays and help the team out the best way that you can."

Taylor, of Oconee County High, started 35 of 49 games in his career at Georgia and was named second-team All-SEC in 2006. He made the Falcons last season after getting bypassed in the draft and played in all 16 games on special teams.

Teams were stuck on his plodding 40-yard dash time of 4.9 seconds and didn't put much credence in his high tackle total or that he led the nation's linebackers with seven interceptions in 2006.

After getting passed over, Taylor (6-1, 237) signed with the Falcons and was reunited with VanGorder, a former Georgia defensive coordinator who was the Falcons' linebackers coach last season before being named the defensive coordinator this season.

"It does help me, it definitely does," Taylor said. "Coach VanGorder is one of those coaches that wants you to give your best effort and wants you to be your best. He's going to push you 100 percent all of the time. He's definitely helped me along in the process."

The competition with Lofton, the 37th overall pick in the 2007 draft and a second-team All-American from Oklahoma, has been a healthy one.

"We have a great relationship," Taylor said. "We are always talking and helping each other out. But it is definitely a competition, but at the same time we are helping each other."

Taylor doesn't take much for granted. He knows this is just a preseason game and the competition will continue.

"There are a million guys that can do what you do," Taylor said. "So as a free agent you are already back a step. You have to come out here and show what you can. You have to try to make as few mistakes as possible."

Taylor was considered a long shot to make the team last season, but his rugged style helped him. He finished with four tackles and eight special teams tackles.

"It's been rough," he said. "A couple of guys, we always joke about being undrafted free agents. For us to have this opportunity, whether if you are playing on special teams, just to go out and be on the field means a lot."

Against the Jaguars, Taylor is looking forward to colliding with live opposition.

"I think if I hit [Falcons fullback] Ovie [Mughelli] one more time I'm going to go crazy," Taylor said.