Every year in April and again in November, in honor of Sean Taylor's birth and tragic death, Canespace will dedicate a memorial feature to recognize his many great contributions to the University of Miami football program...
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 choose to remember Sean Taylor.
As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable of beating the other team all by himself.
GOAT
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 07:29 AM
BOAT
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 07:29 AM
Dude
You keep nibbling on thin ice!
Some of us would like to see the blog continue.
Be careful.
Posted by: CaneWarrior | April 02, 2015 at 12:56 AM
There IT is right there.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 07:24 AM
I would like to think the leash isnt THAT tight
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 07:30 AM
UMike...tighter than that! Actually the post itself was not that bad, but the intent behind it and the direction it leads to IS. U get it?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 07:31 AM
RIP ST..........
Posted by: raizecane | April 02, 2015 at 07:32 AM
And BTW...go back and look at who it was that fell for the April Fools joke about Golden yesterday and tell me why?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 07:33 AM
We have a championship to win tonight......GO CANES
Posted by: raizecane | April 02, 2015 at 07:38 AM
The greatest talent to ever put the U helmet.
Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 07:41 AM
86... I understand what you mean...but with the pro day going on and the success there it was normal for experts to make those comments and for someone to share it...I dont think there was any intent to start anything...at least in my opinion. You should be proud us haters didnt take it and run, and it didnt ignite anything...#progress haha
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 07:49 AM
The greatest talent to ever put the U helmet.
Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 07:41 AM
On this we are in absolute, unquestioned agreement.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 07:49 AM
Stories like this make both mad & sad. At least the killers are in jail for a long time. The Bryan Pata case, however, is still unresolved. In all likelihood, his killer(s) will never be brought to justice.
Posted by: VfB_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 08:14 AM
Miami vs Stanford for NIT Championship. Let's go Canes. Bring home the title. RIP Sean Taylor.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | April 02, 2015 at 09:00 AM
Well done on the article, Soup.
It hurts to think about a young man taken so senselessly before his time
Posted by: Lurker | April 02, 2015 at 09:17 AM
From DMoney at CIS:
Final spring observations
Below are my observations from the practices, scrimmages and spring game:
QUARTERBACK
Don't let the vanilla spring game fool you: Brad Kaaya has been lights out. He knows where to go with the ball, his completion percentage is sky-high, and his impeccable ball placement allows the receivers to run after the catch. Some of his red zone throws were legit jaw-droppers. He's the best player on the team by a good margin.
Malik Rosier is still too inaccurate for me. When he misses, he misses high and by a mile. In fairness to him, these no-contact practices don't highlight his best attribute, which is running. Rosier also played best in scrimmage situations, which suggest he may be a gamer. But the accuracy needs to get much better if he wants to be a legitimate Miami quarterback. Watching Rosier makes you appreciate how easy Kaaya makes it look. It should be noted that the team switches to a read-option offense whenever Rosier is in the game.
Vincent Testaverde is still learning the offense and takes too many coverage sacks. But when the ball comes out, it's better than Rosier's. Testaverde has a pretty good arm and shows nice touch on bucket throws. If he improves his mental game, he has a chance to be decent.
RUNNING BACK
There's no Duke on the roster, but this position should be fine. Gus Edwards won the most improved offensive player award and he deserved it. He's finally learning how to run with leverage and power. Once he gets in the open field, he's very fast for his size. You know what you're getting with Joe Yearby-- he runs hard, he has excellent feet and he'll always make the first man miss in space.
Trayone Gray is starting to get comfortable at running back. Some of his jump cuts have been Duke-esque. However, he continues to have fumbling problems. If he can fix those, he'll bring a much-needed gamebreaking element to the RB corps. Walk-on Collin Alford won't play but he's a solid player with some quickness.
WIDE RECEIVER
No worries here. Rashawn Scott and Stacy Coley emerged as the clear-cut top guys. Coley didn't make the splash plays, but he was very consistent. The big plays will come if he continues to work hard. Malcolm Lewis and Braxton Berrios were reliable and QB-friendly over the middle. Herb Waters is not as consistent as a senior should be. He needs to do a better job finishing plays and winning contested balls. It'll never happen, but the best thing for him would be a move to corner. I've always felt it was his natural position.
Tyre Brady and Darrell Langham aren't there yet, for different reasons. Brady can separate but can't catch. Langham catches everything in his area but can't separate. Of the two, I think Langham has the better chance to contribute as a red-zone specialist.
TIGHT END
This position will continue to play a big role in the offense because of Kaaya, but Clive Walford will be missed. Standish Dobard dropped too many balls this spring. He's a great blocker, though, and a load after the catch. Chris Herndon is going to play a major role. He's very football savvy, he lines up all over the field and he runs well. David Njoku didn't play at a big-time high school like Herndon, and he's a little behind in terms of football IQ. But athletically, he's as good as there is on the team. Njoku made some spectacular catches this spring and runs better than any Canes tight end since Jimmy Graham. He'll be a star sooner than later.
Jerome Washington reminds me of Richard Gordon: a unique size-speed athlete who can't catch. He's probably a year away, although he's physically ready to contribute.
OFFENSIVE LINE
This is the weakest position on the team. There are only four guys who I'd trust in a game. Nick Linder is rock-solid at center and was the most consistent lineman all spring. Trevor Darling has some bend and balance issues, but is still a quality tackle. The group got a huge boost when Kc McDermott came back. He reminds me a lot of Zack Martin. He can play tackle because his balance and technique are so good, but at guard he has the potential to dominate. Danny Isidora is a solid player who occasionally struggles with size. I think his best position is center.
After that, it's ugly. Alex Gall is a major disappointment. He doesn't play with the strength I expected coming out of high school. Despite his improvement, Sonny Odogwu is still not ready for FSU or Virginia Tech. He really struggles with pass blocking after initial contact, mostly because he doesn't move his feet. Hunter Wells has also improved but not enough. Joe Brown is a promising run blocker who struggles as a pass blocker. Jahair Jones is unplayable. We desperately need guys like Tyree St. Louis, Bar Milo and Ty Gauther to come in ready to contribute.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The talent is there. For the first time in years, we have a legitimate two-deep across the board. Mike Wyche has been a revelation this spring. He's slimmed down and is playing with a ton of confidence. There are different skill sets along the line: the athleticism of AQM and Chad Thomas, the steadiness of Trent Harris, the quickness of Anthony Moten and Ufombu Kamalu, the length of Jelani Hamilton. These guys dominated our undermanned offensive line from the first practice through the spring game. If the staff can't get this group to perform, they have no one to blame but themselves.
LINEBACKER
It's Jermaine Grace and everyone else. Grace is developing into a full-blown star who can cover, blitz and run sideline-to-sideline. Raphael Kirby has been solid but is not an impact player like Grace of Denzel Perryman. Darrion Owens plays hard and is one of the best size-speed guys on the team and he plays hard, but still hasn't had that major breakthrough. It could come in fall camp. Tyriq McCord has been a pleasant surprise at SAM and is much-improved in space.
With Perryman gone, this group really needs Juwon Young to take the next step. He is the only physical presense in a group of finesse players. He's steadily improved but still has room to grow mentally.
SAFETY
It's a similar story here. There is one front-line player (Deon Bush) and a lot of question marks. Dallas Crawford is physically limited. Jamal Carter has a questionable football IQ and doesn't tackle as well as he should. Rayshawn Jenkins is perpetually hurt or in the doghouse. Jaquan Johnson has the potential to be excellent, but his aggressive style will result in a lot of big plays (the bad kind) as he continues to learn the game. This unit needs Bush to stay healthy.
CORNERBACK
Solid group. Corn Elder is ten pounds away from stardom. He battled Coley all spring. Artie Burns is the best press corner on the team. Tracy Howard has been banged up but is a solid veteran. Ryan Mayes was a question mark after the departure of Antonio Crawford, but he turned in a quality spring. His length is an asset and he's gotten tougher. It's still a little thin, but there will be three freshmen competing for that fifth spot.
Overall, this is Brad Kaaya's team. If we protect him, he will carry us to more wins than last year. If the offensive line struggles, it could get ugly. Defensively, the talent is there. Whether the coaches can get them to execute the scheme is another story.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 09:18 AM
The greatest talent to ever put the U helmet.
Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 07:41 AM
On this we are in absolute, unquestioned agreement.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 07:49 AM
#HellHathFrozenOver
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 09:31 AM
"Tyriq McCord has been a pleasant surprise at SAM and is much-improved in space."
I take up a lot of space, that has to count for something, right? But I have been told that my "gap technique" needs some work.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 09:33 AM
Watching our OLine, seems to me they need to consult with a martial arts expert, primarily somebody that's well versed in Centerline theory.
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 09:52 AM
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 09:33 AM
Be careful - "gap technique" and "needs some work" gets you awfully close to being banned around here. The only ingredient missing is "coaching staff".
Posted by: VfB_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 09:54 AM
Is there a street in Brooksville named after Jerome Brown? If not, there should be.
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Good analysis by DMoney. Kayaa is the key, hope we can keep his uniform clean.
Posted by: 30CINCO | April 02, 2015 at 10:07 AM
Thirsty,
I am in Indiantown almost every Wednesday for a meeting @ 2. Sometimes I drive up from SoFL, sometimes from Orlando. Either way if you want to grab lunch that would be cool.
Posted by: KYcane | April 01, 2015 at 09:28 PM
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We'll have to do that!!!! My business does work in Indiantown.....We do work on all the Habitat Houses.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:09 AM
TBC,
Is there a local Jacksonville State Grill & Wings? Lol.
Posted by: The Dude | April 01, 2015 at 10:25 PM
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Hahaha!!!!! No, only in Alabama!!! I like the idea though, I'll have to open one up!!!....LOL
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:15 AM
We're selling our home and buying another in the next 30 days, inspections start Saturday. Soup, you think these rates hold up in the next 15-20 days?
Posted by: Canezitis | April 02, 2015 at 10:15 AM
We're selling our home and buying another in the next 30 days, inspections start Saturday. Soup, you think these rates hold up in the next 15-20 days?
Posted by: Canezitis | April 02, 2015 at 10:15 AM
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Yes
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:17 AM
YES, up to the end of April.
Tax day is looming and everything slows down through the end of the month spending wise. The folks that get nmoney back on their taxes file in January, the folks that have to pay taxes file in April. LOL
You can sign up for the dialy rate report, the rate DO CHANGE daily. Can you lock in your rate on your mortgage NOW? If so today is PROBABLY a good day to lock. Call your lender to see.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:19 AM
Go here to sign up for daily reports:
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/mortgage_rates/2015/4/1/1531
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:21 AM
Also, if you can do a 15 year loan and afford a higher monthly payment then do it! You can save $70-$90K over the 30 year loan.
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:22 AM
Good analysis by whoever that guy is.
We will go as far as Kaaya can take us this year. If we can't keep his jersey clean we are in big trouble.
If the o-line can gel, there is plenty of talent there albeit young, then I'll stick to my 10-2 prediction.
Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 10:23 AM
I know we are all about being positive here, but I cannot go with 10-2. A lot of questions and the staff hasnt proved they can win big games and have proved they will lose a game or two they shouldnt.
I've said it before, Im not sure what record would legitimately show improvement. If we go 8-4 or 9-3 but we beat teams we should, dont have an end of the year melt down etc that could be seen has a good season. I think we do beter than 6-7 for sure, but not ready to say we're a 10-2 team.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM
D-Money knows His stuff...He sounds like either He's around the team, or He knows somebody that's plugged in.
In any event, I would've liked to hear about the STs. STs can mask a lot of defeciencies in other areas.
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 10:36 AM
Good analysis by whoever that guy is.
We will go as far as Kaaya can take us this year. If we can't keep his jersey clean we are in big trouble.
If the o-line can gel, there is plenty of talent there albeit young, then I'll stick to my 10-2 prediction.
Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 10:23 AM
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I kind of think we'll go as far as our offensive line can take us. If Kaaya doesn't have time to throw, then we're doomed!! IMO we're going to have a rough time on the OL, unless we get a couple of freshman to step in, which is very possible.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:39 AM
I really like our DL, I think they'll have a huge year, which will help the play of our questionable LB's.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:41 AM
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM
I think you're probably right. The best thing that could have happened for last year's team was for the season to end as the team was clearly lost. Al seems to have rallied them back up again, but if I had to guess, I'd say it wouldn't take much to lose confidence again.
Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 10:42 AM
A lot of questions and the staff hasnt proved they can win big games and have proved they will lose a game or two they shouldnt.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM
Such an original thought.
I'd swear I have read this comment 1,347,682 times in the last three years, no?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:46 AM
buh-bye...off to sell more houses!
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:47 AM
unless we get a couple of freshman to step in, which is very possible.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 10:39 AM
I think the only spots that have to be solidified are the Guard spots. We have 2 bookend OTs in Darling & McDermott...some good depth behind em' in Odogwu & Johnson...and like you say, UM has some good looking freshman on the way in Milo,St.Louis.
But we'll see, it's still a ways to late summer & Fall practices.
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 11:04 AM
A lot of questions and the staff hasnt proved they can win big games and have proved they will lose a game or two they shouldnt.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 10:31 AM
Such an original thought.
I'd swear I have read this comment 1,347,682 times in the last three years, no?
Posted by: 86Cane | April 02, 2015 at 10:46 AM
Maybe, but if someone predicts 10-2 I am allowed to give my opinion as to why I dont think that will happen. And I didnt do it in a hateful way...now go sell houses lol
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 11:22 AM
UMike...I think going either 9-3 or 10-2 with this schedule, would be exceeding expectations...so you & GoCanes are both right in a sense.
After FAU, I don't care what people say, this is a tough@$$ schedule.
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 11:29 AM
Lenders checking on rates as we speak. Wish we could do a 15yr, but that's lil too spicy for my monthly payment. Thanks Soup.
Posted by: Canezitis | April 02, 2015 at 11:36 AM
CR...thats kinda what I mean...what if we go 8-4, BUT, there are no blow out loses, the schemes have changed or improved and we lost to only tough/good teams...wouldnt that be a good season coming off last year? That would signal a turning of the corner right?
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 11:37 AM
IMO our defense and offense will be solid, but unspectacular.
We will find ourselves in similar situations as last year, in a position to win most if not all of our tough games in the 4th quarter.
Its there where I expect Kaaya to take the big leap.
If he does, we will win the games we gave away late last year.
Posted by: Go Canes | April 02, 2015 at 11:47 AM
Go Canes...I can agree with that...BUT....the correct plays have to be called for Kaaya as well. I hope we play more to win this year and less playing not to lose.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 11:50 AM
UMike...IMO, it's only a 10 game season to me, I ain't even stuntin' BC & FAU LMAO! But yeah, 8 wins would be the floor for this team, IMO.
But why is our schedule structured like that?...I see they only have 1 bye week, and then they have to play 9 straight. Don't we normally get 2 bye weeks?
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 12:01 PM
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 11:04 AM
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I'm banking on Milo & St Louis stepping in right away and getting some reps. Hopefully we keep everyone healthy on the OL.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 12:02 PM
I hope we play more to win this year and less playing not to lose.
Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 11:50 AM
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That should be the motto on the players shirts, "Play To Win"!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 12:05 PM
I'm banking on Milo & St Louis stepping in right away and getting some reps. Hopefully we keep everyone healthy on the OL.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | April 02, 2015 at 12:02 PM
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Both could be on the 2-deep, or maybe starting, had they come in early (January). Since they didn't, it will be much more difficult, but both could play. If either has the mental aspect and playbook down, they could still get significant PT.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 12:11 PM
While I agree that Kaaya improving is critical to our hope for success this year, I don't think it's fair to put it all on Him.
IMO, the STs wasn't that good last year...we need a spark in the return game...our kicker(s) need to consistently pin teams deep.
Defensively, we need to do a better job of stopping the run...hopefully we pick up where we left off in the bowl game in that department.
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 12:13 PM
Unless they move em' to DT, I expect Norton to challenge for one of the Guard spots...that kid can MOVE!
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 12:29 PM
UM Pro Day HLs...so good, so far on my end as far as the Adidas gear goes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m90XbJXulZI
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 12:50 PM
Miami and Everyone Else: What Single-Season College Teams Have Produced the Most NFL-Quality Players?
1. 2001 Miami Hurricanes
Record: 12-0, national champions
Players: Bryant McKinnie, Jeremy Shockey, Ed Reed, Clinton Portis, Phillip Buchanon, Sean Taylor, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Antrel Rolle, Vince Wilfork, Frank Gore, Willis McGahee, Chris Myers, Andre Johnson
No other team is even in the conversation. The backups on this squad are what make it truly unbelievable. Vince Wilfork, Antrel Rolle, Frank Gore, and Sean Taylor couldn’t even start! Even if you discount the three future Hall of Famers (Reed, Wilfork, and Johnson) and the one who easily would have been (Taylor), you’re looking at 22 trips to the Pro Bowl. As in, 22! It’s the greatest collection of future NFL talent ever collected in one place, and it’s not particularly close.
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-nfl-draft-miami-hurricanes-florida-gators-usc-trojans/
Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 12:55 PM