Eric Rivera, the worthless punk who shot and killed former University of Miami football legend Sean Taylor in 2007 during a botched burglary attempt was found guilty today of second degree murder. He was also convicted of burglary and assault while armed.
We are not going to waste any more time or typing on the scum who killed our Hurricane hero. Instead we will post the article that we wrote about ST#26 a several years ago and post every year in April and November on the anniversary of his birth and death in honor of one of the greatest players ever to put on a helmet at The U. We post it today as a result of the verdict being announced:
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, 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 this team and its fans in his home town.
Sean would grow up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title and become the #1 ranked prep player in the County by the Miami Herald. Sean was so dominant at this level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back for that team.
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 had already become a hometown hero and would soon become a true legend in the 305.
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 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. Nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast, Sean would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL.
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.
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 of beating the other team all by himself.
I would be happier if we lined up with 8 in box with men over the gaps....not just position players so O-line can engage them every play. And that WEARS out D-line.
Posted by: LA3 | November 05, 2013 at 04:10 PM
We played 8 in the box damn near the whole game.
PS...the next time you watch a UM game, and you see the FS rotate to the MIDDLE OF THE FIELD, AND!, the CBs are bailing...THAT'S 8 IN THE BOX!
And that's exactly what we were doing damn near the whole game...that's how Bush got that 1st INT!
Posted by: CaneRock | November 05, 2013 at 04:33 PM
CaneRock....1st Qtr they tried. But by 2nd QTR the were in BIG BOX...5+ yards off.
And I was speaking "general terms"....We never line up like aggressive NFL or College team! STACKED at the LINE and then bail LB out!
Posted by: LA3 | November 05, 2013 at 04:41 PM
FWIW FSU's results thus far;
41-13
62-7
54-6
54-6
48-3
63-0
51-14
49-17
41-14
Pitt did better than us... must be a whole lot of bad DC's out there.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | November 05, 2013 at 04:17 PM
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This is good stuff here, and proves a point.
However, one thing to note, Pitt did not do better than us. Almost exact same, but not better. It was also AT Pitt, not The Doak.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 05, 2013 at 04:44 PM
Just as another point....we have base scheme we run all the time.
Our guys don't run mult sets and run them often enough to be good at them...
So, against #3 team in country that is on fire...you have GUYS that are not comfortable or sure. So, they can't play at full speed!!!! Over thinking and not reacting!
Like I said, LET EM PLAY!
Posted by: LA3 | November 05, 2013 at 04:45 PM
Seriously... if our Offence did get going, FSU would have been shaken.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | November 05, 2013 at 04:17 PM
Ahhhh, the old IF word shows up again. I mean I agree with your statement, but IF doesn't make it so. U know what the Queen said right?
"If I had balls, I'd be King!"
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 04:47 PM
Some folks just think that man to man is a panacea...IT'S NOT!
You don't get the big hits in man to man, that you get in zone...matter of fact, I would be willin' to bet that biggest hits in UM history, have come from zone coverage. Case in point, look at the catch that the FSU WR made just before that skirmish, if Jenkins would've timed it up better, then He could've either picked it off, or jarred the ball loose from the WR...that's got NOTHING! to do with talent, but everything to do with timing and experience. Now I'm not saying that zone is a panacea, but we would've been lookin' STUPID ASS HELL! out there chasin' their WRs.
Posted by: CaneRock | November 05, 2013 at 04:51 PM
U know what the Queen said right?
"If I had balls, I'd be King!"
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 04:47 PM
-------------------------------------
And IF a frog had wings, it wouldn't bump it's a$$ when it hopped.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 05, 2013 at 04:52 PM
I don't like the defense we play and I think the majority of ex canes don't like this current defense. How in the hell does your DB's make plays when they give 10 yards of cushion every play. Short yardage plays our LB,s are 7-8 yards off the ball. I know we don't have FSU talent but how do we expect to attract elite defensive talent when the philosophy is to sit back and not attack? The soft zone with no pass rush is a completion waiting to happen.
Posted by: canesteeler | November 05, 2013 at 04:53 PM
Jsy I agree with your post. I know the NCAA has hampered our recruiting which means we don't have the talent we need. I think AG is the man for the job but I have doubts about DNO. Our D will struggle this weekend against a QB who has looked horrible the past two weeks. Load the box and make VT throw the ball. Go Canes.
Posted by: canesteeler | November 05, 2013 at 05:01 PM
The soft zone with no pass rush is a completion waiting to happen.
Posted by: canesteeler | November 05, 2013 at 04:53 PM
Oh STOP making so much sense!
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 05:06 PM
TH3 INT against UF...ZONE!
RJ26 INT against UF...ZONE!
DB2 INT against FSU...ZONE!
RJ26 INT against FSU...ZONE!
TH3 2 INTs against UNC...ZONE!
DP52 INT against BC...ZONE!
RJ26 INT against GT...ZONE!
LG37 P6 against GT...ZONE!
It's no panacea, but ya'll get my drift. LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | November 05, 2013 at 05:07 PM
We are ALL CANES fans.....and we all want same thing. BEAT VA TECH!
I think the DEF will play better. I think some of the things we tried against FSU can be built on and run against VA TECH or other future foes.
I am GLAD we tried....Now lets build on it and use it!
If the STAFF can start running different things off of same sets, then we can make other team guess or doubt. We need to do that more on OFF and DEF....never seems like we come back to formations or plays to set teams up.
We are 7-1. I thought we would be 6-2. Are we going to win out or are we going to lose to teams we should be. There is still a lot to play for and rematch with FSU would be NICE!!!!
LETS GO CANES!
Posted by: LA3 | November 05, 2013 at 05:10 PM
WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!
What is going on here today? Smart, balanced blogging with opposing opinions and no name calling or personal attacks?
Man, U guys are GOOD!
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 05:29 PM
What is going on here today? Smart, balanced blogging with opposing opinions and no name calling or personal attacks?
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 05:29 PM
j.w called jsy jysm.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | November 05, 2013 at 05:40 PM
Lmao @ Calgary!!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | November 05, 2013 at 05:45 PM
Scouting opinion of FSU vs MIAMI
http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-notes-from-miami-fl-vs-florida-state.html
Posted by: generalcane | November 05, 2013 at 05:57 PM
CaneRock....
Shannon didn't have bad defenses under his DC under his HC yes but under his DC Shannon I believe was always top10...
12%RCCF
Posted by: RCCF | November 05, 2013 at 06:31 PM
j.w called jsy jysm.
Posted by: CalgaryCane | November 05, 2013 at 05:40 PM
Well, with that ONE exception. LOL
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 06:32 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: SOUP | November 05, 2013 at 06:55 PM
I got your back jsy.
Football is about match ups. Put a 6'2 Gunter on Benjamin & Howard on Green man to man. Now you can really get creative on covering everything else. This is just an example. Nothing is easier than 3rd & 5 with your LB's & DB's all with 10 yard cushions.
I ain't mad at No'd anymore. This is Golden's defensive philosophy. He has said since day 1 he runs a soft zone defense. He will not change it. He believes this scheme will dominate when he stocks top notch South Florida talent in it. I am here to warn you. Even with the #1 recruit at every position this scheme will not dominate. It lacks aggression & the ability to adjust to a players skill set. The 2 main ingredients a system needs to dominate. Limited man coverages & the lack of a wide variety of blitzes is because there ain't much in the fukkin playbook. It's a SOFT ZONE. All of you that keep saying the defense will get more aggressive with better talent & pass rush, you are delusional. GOLDEN RUNS A SOFT ZONE. I don't care how good your pass rush is, 3rd & 5 will get picked up with 10 yard cushions 90% of the time. Every week our defensive rankings drop. Watch it continue...
Fukk giving Coley a pass. This offense only lost Mike James. He wasn't even the best RB! The offense is obviously worse than last year. WARNING: If the offense got worse after returning 11 starters, next year will be a rude awakening...
Posted by: CoCane | November 05, 2013 at 07:17 PM