Two Years Later, One Life Lost

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

This feature was first posted on April 1, 2008.  On November 27 each year we will post this article in tribute to Sean Taylor to recognize his contributions to the University of Miami...

Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983. 

Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. 

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami".  Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald.  Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back. 

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami.  It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team. 

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle.  From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team.  Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.  After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.   

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins. 

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year.  He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast.  Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.       

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool.  By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl. 

Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home.  In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars.  He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet. 

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful.  When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. 

This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green. 

Some memories and images never fade.  And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six. 

That is how we will remember Sean Taylor. 

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable o  beating the other team all by himself.

Comments

[404Canes404]

1st? RIP ST! Go Canes!

[Charlie Brown]

Go here at noon:

http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?&W2GI_QFIELD=DEALERID&W2GI_QVALUE=8001&SORTBY_MoreInfoDealer=DISTANCE&DISTANCE=4&client=leeroy&template=moreinfo

We leave at 1 PM!

[j.w.]

Nice tribute to 26. Still can't believe he's gone.

[RBLCane]

Rusty Canes highlights are back!

Here's Dook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4XjpRqf2jM

GO CANES! BEAT USF!

R I P S E A N T A Y L O R

[miamimike01]

Devont'a Davis:

ESPN Evaluation: Davis is a tall, talented defensive back prospect with good athleticism and scheme versatility. Rangy with a long, very lean body. Shows good skill-set and ability at corner and safety; his continued physical development may dictate his eventual college position. We like his height and length outside on the perimeter.

Can effectively play press, bump-and-run and eventually provide a favorable matchup with today's taller college receivers on the outside. For a taller corner he has good hip-fluidity and footwork. Shows the ability to mirror and redirect sharply in off-man coverages. Can turn and run vertically in man-to-man without losing a lot in transition.

Recovers quickly with good acceleration, makeup speed and proper inside positioning to deflect the pass. May be better breaking and driving on the ball in front of him. Displays very good underneath range and closing speed. Pursues with a motor and can cover the whole field.

Needs to avoid tackling high but he is aggressive on run support and will occasionally flash some pop as a hitter. Has good speed and hips but they may be better suited at safety or as a nickel corner. Our concern is that he lacks the bulk and strength right now to consistently retain his base down in the box on run support at the major college level as a safety.

Would need a lot of work in the weight room for size and strength. A bit of a hybrid corner/safety but we look at Davis as being scheme versatile and his tweener status not necessarily as a negative. His ability to cover kicks as well as return them on special teams adds to his upside. With some technique refinement and added size this athletic defensive back could develop into a good one.

[miamimike01]

Tarpon Springs 35
GHS 28

Our boys couldn't make it to the next round, unfortunately. Now they can concentrate on being college players.

[miamimike01]

Kevin Nelson, ILB:

ESPN Evaluation: Nelson may be a bit undersized as a middle linebacker prospect but it's hard to find a more productive and tougher inside run stoppers than this guy. He lacks ideal height and room for physical upside is a bit limited on his compact frame, but he is thickly-built with a strong lower base and appears very durable.

Makes quick downhill reads and fills hard with very good short-area power at the point of attack. Generates great initial momentum/burst allowing him to play much bigger and make very solid contact as a hitter. Runs through his tackles and shows good pop/explosiveness from his hips. Flashes good pursuit quickness between the tackles and swarms to the football on outside run support. Consistently beats blockers to the point of attack and is able to take inside-out angles to the ball.

A lot of production comes on or behind the line of scrimmage. Closes hard and fast off-tackle with direct pursuit angles. Makes plays sideline-to-sideline aided by his high motor and good backside chase speed.

However, he is a bit straight-lined without great hip-flexibility and sharp change-of-direction skill. Struggles breaking down as a tackler at times and can overrun the play. Sifts through wash well and knifes through the small seams but may have difficulty mirroring the cutback of quicker zone backs at the next level. Lateral agility and ability to slip/sidestep the cutoff block is good not great; better filling downhill with square shoulder pads.

We would like to see him use his hands more when scraping to keep bigger blockers off his body. May need some time to physically develop in order to hold his base at the point of attack and disengage bigger blockers when reached at the second level.

That said, Nelson simply has a good nose for the football and explosiveness you just can't coach; the size should come. Plays the game fast and physical and should be a coveted linebacker on the recruiting trail.

[Sebastian]

RIP #26

It brings tears to this grown mans eyes everytime I think about the loss of #26 so early in life

God Bless

[Fran]

MM great job
RIP #26
GO CANES beat USF

[DATcane]

http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=293320058

U

[DATcane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-um-usf-advance-1128-20091127,0,4524201.story

U

[DATcane]

RIP ST26

[Cane Since 1982]

The Canes will be dressed for the part Saturday in Nike's all-white Pro Combat uniform, the lightest weight uniform the company has created.

According to Nike, the Canes are one of 11 elite programs to debut the uniform during November before it is officially introduced at the start of 2010.

``You don't want to lose with new jerseys,'' Jacory Harris said. ``That would be a reason for us not to wear [them] anymore.''

[roachcane77]

Sean Taylor... you will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace brother.

[canechic]

So sad....life to short....enjoy everyday!

GO CANES!

[Calvin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgTm8nAeq7Q

[KLCaneFan]

RIP Sean Taylor

[canechic]

KL you going to the game today?

[RandyCane]

May the Force (Sean Taylor) be with us today1 God bless his family and the Canes!

[RandyCane]

I remember going to the LA. Tech game in Shreveport, La. a few years ago and MM01 waiting to get his autograph after the game. MM01 had him pegged as a great one back then. He was gracious to give us a little time and spoke with us for a few minutes. Since that time he was one of our favorite Canes. He will always live in our hearts.

May the (FORCE) Sean Taylor be with us today.

[Charlie Brown]

Randy...nice post, well said.

RIP ST #26.

[DZ8]

RIP Sean Taylor.

[Loco]

RIP ST we will always remember

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

Go Canes! And, dare i say it, noles?

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

Corso just called for the upset alert...

And herbstreit said no way

[RandyCane]

Corso picking USF is the kiss of death for them.

[canechic]

How can you even watch gameday today? How many crying gayturds in the crowd? Their sugar daddy is leaving.....how will they survive?

[DATcane]

33-20 MIAMI!!!

[RandyCane]

CaneChic, since MM01 and I live in Jackssonville, the heart of Gator Country, this whole week has been about Tebow, It is really sickening. The lead story on all the newscasts has been Tebow, Tebow, Tebow.

T-shirt saying I love Tebow, buttons, toilet paper and who knows what else?

Go Noles, Go Bama, Go Texas anybody but the Gators.

[Loco- looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

theyre going o do a feature on us/usf?

[DZ8]

The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has just been awarded to... Tim Tebow.

[canechic]

loco I will watch in on youtube before I watch that Tebow love fest. Actually I am watching "how steela got her groove back" on lifetime and looking at the hunky guys makes me feel the need for some exercise. So for a jog I must go.....

GO CANES!!!!! Got to win today....Got to win today....

[RandyCane]

I quess you know why Tebow is so good at prison minitries? he getss alot of practice in his own huddle.

If a UM coach had that many (30) players breaking the law they would be fired! Upper 1% of the top 1% recruited by Urban? Who knew the team roster would be posted at the PostOffice instead of in the gameday program!

[Calvin]

I remember going to the LA. Tech game in Shreveport, La. a few years ago and MM01 waiting to get his autograph after the game. MM01 had him pegged as a great one back then. He was gracious to give us a little time and spoke with us for a few minutes. Since that time he was one of our favorite Canes. He will always live in our hearts.

May the (FORCE) Sean Taylor be with us today.
Posted by: RandyCane | November 28, 2009 at 09:34 AM

So with this being said, does this mean kevin nelson and devont'a davis are legit?

k. nelson
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4262322
d.davis
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4260636

[Calvin]

I remember going to the LA. Tech game in Shreveport, La. a few years ago and MM01 waiting to get his autograph after the game. MM01 had him pegged as a great one back then. He was gracious to give us a little time and spoke with us for a few minutes. Since that time he was one of our favorite Canes. He will always live in our hearts.

May the (FORCE) Sean Taylor be with us today.
Posted by: RandyCane | November 28, 2009 at 09:34 AM

So with this being said, does this mean kevin nelson and devont'a davis are legit?

k. nelson
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4262322
d.davis
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4260636

[RandyCane]

TEBow.Tebow. Tebow, Tebow, Tebow, Tebow, Tebow. I am now qualified to be a sports writer for the Times Union here in Gatorville.

[UMike]

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Thank you Canespace and fellow spacers for another wonderful Cane season!!

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

I love how everybody believes urban liar when he says he's not interested in going to notre dame.. just like saban wasnt interested in bama, petrino wasnt interested in the nfl, butch wasnt leaving, and urban himself wasnt leaving utah?

[RandyCane]

Nelson and Davis are solid. MM01 and I have gotten to know these kids and their coaches and they are true blue. They are both ballers and will add alot of "tude" to the defense. They are great kids and the U will be very pleased with them.

[KLCaneFan]

Hey canechic, nope... I'm not going to the USF game today. :( We talked about it but decided to go to a bowl game instead.

[Six]

Canes are family

http://a.espncdn.com/i/mag/blog/portisfear.jpg

R.I.P. Meast

[RandyCane]

Nelson and Davis were at the Virginia game and Nelson was also at the OU game. He made an unofficial visit to the Gators last weekend and came away more convinced about the U than ever.

[RandyCane]

Nelson and Davis were also rumored to have visited Arkansas in the past few weeks but according to their coaches it was a rumor and that's all

The rumor was started on another web site.

[KLCaneFan]

I'll be glad when Tebow graduates so we're not forced to watch gawd awful fluff pieces about him... or Urban Meyer emotional outbursts about his greatness. *barf*

[Loco - looking for quality christmas gifts? check out www.cutco.com and then email me at tjl516@aol.com]

you would think tebow just died

[Six]

Today is USF's Super Bowl. It is their thought to be "Miracle On Ice". This is the kind of game that will secure Jim Leavitt's job for a little while longer if he wins it

BJ Daniels - he will take off and run at the drop of hat, need to spy him

Line Of Scrimmage - protect Jacory at all cost b/c Selvie & Pierre-Paul are coming, along with some LB blitzes mixed in ... Jacory better make his checkdowns and WRs better see what blitz is coming as well

Prove why you should be a Cane Defensive Lineman - their front 4 is still somewhat young

Aggressive like a pool of piranha on the field - you hit them every single play, even if you're not around the ball

Plancher & Ford are both grinders and will try to command the run game

Love, Hester, Bogan are their WRs and one of them will get loose on a deep route (usually Bogan) - Miami Vice or Ray Ray need to put him to sleep

Nate Allen is the leader of their Secondary - the kid can direct traffic

Kion Wilson is the leader of their front 7 at LB

One thing about USF is their D is somewhat undisciplined at times, committing stupid penalties - I've seen it in every single game I've had to watch of them this year (which is ALL of them)

Come out flat in the 1st Quarter, Canes will lose b/c USF will build off that momentum being at home & will close the door on the game. Daniels once again, will run and eat up clock & yardage

Canes by 4 - please prove me wrong Canes

[NativeCane]

Morning spacers,
Heading out to the tailgate party,

Mrs. Native menu- Baby Bull Ball marinara on six inch roll with provolone.

Native menu- Bacon wrapped Baby Bull Balls with jalepeno on the grill.

If you guys see a white excursion with gold trim and choose life tag stop and and sample our tasty balls. num num num!

R.I.P. Sean Taylor

R.I.P. Rick Turner

This party's for you.

Go Canes!!!

[Six]

Crocs 49 Noles 13

[Sarasota 'cane]

I've got 1 ticket section 214 for $30.00. I'll be at Channelside Plaza in Tampa from 1-2 or 2:30. Call 86 cane if you want the ticket and he will get in touch with me! You will be sitting with 20+ cane fan's!

Go 'canes!

[CGNC]

Nice tribute to ST.