Canespace: The Birth Of A Man And A Miracle

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April 02, 2015

The Birth Of A Man And A Miracle

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.

Posted at 07:16 AM | Permalink

Comments

^^^^^^^^^^^I'm surprised that 91' Huskies team isn't on that list, that was a good damn team.

Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 01:07 PM

This whole Steph Curry crossover on Chris Paul thing is so overrated. The only reason Paul falls is because he steps on Curry's foot. I think Curry actually lost control of the ball. Don't get me wrong Curry is a beast and deserves the MVP, I just don't understand why people think this thing is legendary.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:17 PM

^^^ I guess it's a good thing twitter wasn't really around for Allen Iverson's prime, lol.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:22 PM

I think things are overall better; I hope we will see an improved team this fall.

As an expert in this game, my 2 concerns are the OL and DL...in that order. Only time and real competition will reveal the truth, but all good things start up front.
I am concerned about the speed, quickness, and athleticism of the OL. Past OLs....since the collapse in the Fiasco Bowl....Ohio State dominated our line beat them up bad....we have had some good...used sparingly here....lines but nothing to really write home about.
I dont want the Fat Boys and Chubby Checker, I want lean mean grading machines....big concern here. Poor drive blocks, weak pass block, poor reach blocks, slow pulls, chubby boys, shuffle their feet like a skid row wino instead of picking them up Roger Craig style.....I think things have passed Kehoe by.....not sure he knows what a good OL is.
DL has more depth...2 concerns here....penetration on the run....intense pressure on the passer....has to happen....do not think we are effective in a 3 front....never have run it never liked it never will use it...but thats me....

These 2 areas will make or hurt our chances of getting back in the mix.
JMO

Posted by: VA Cane | April 02, 2015 at 01:30 PM

Awesome CaneRock......nobody in the conversation....in the house, stadium, solar system, universe.....nobody close. you could add even more names...thats what I mean in my prior comment. Our OL DL personnel those years made it possible....combine the beasts of the pits and the incredible skill players........you win going away.

There lies my concerns....up front close and personal.....we must be strong and aggressive up front. JMO

Posted by: VA Cane | April 02, 2015 at 01:35 PM

Posted by: VA Cane | April 02, 2015 at 01:30 PM

100% right about the OL. It's crazy how streaky they are though. They manhandled VT last year and did really well in other games but they also have 3 to 4 really bad games per year. I've wondered if this is just QB play, which is a HUGE part of taking sacks. Kyle Wright could have had 5 Bryant McKinnies and still would have taken a bunch of sacks. In fact, look at Dorsey's HS years. The reason Butch recruited him is because he never got sacked. Funny how he never really got hit in CF either, the kid just always got the ball out. I remember a quote from Frank Beamer about Dorsey; "He's a tough kid too, at least we think he's tough, we don't know because we can't get to him."

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:40 PM

QBs have be experts in what the OL is doing. It seems like it never matters who's blocking for Peyton Manning. Peyton will adjust the call to favor his protection. If the OL is getting beat, Peyton moves to quick throws. This is the thing that boggled my mind when the Patriots were undefeated in the SB against the Giants. The Giants were getting after it, yet the Patriots kept trying to establish a deep pocket.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:44 PM

I guess it's a good thing twitter wasn't really around for Allen Iverson's prime, lol.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:22 PM
-----------------------------------------

BRUH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvVB5wOBpUI

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 01:46 PM

^^^ I guess it's a good thing twitter wasn't really around for Allen Iverson's prime, lol.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:22 PM

If so, Mike wouldnt be selling so many shoes to these young kids lol...AI crossed him up nasty

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 01:47 PM

Of course, the number one thing that helped the 2001 OL was the shear talent of playmakers on the field. It's hard to stack a box when Shockey is playing TE or when Andre Johnson needs safety at all times. Opposing simply COULDN'T stack the box on Miami, they had to play back. This gave Miami an enormous advantage with talented backs like Portis, McGahee and Gore. The RBs essentially go untouched for 5 yards. This is why Alabama backs always put up yards, their OL keeps them clean for 5 yards and Bama is usually right at the top of yards before contact.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:48 PM

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 01:46 PM

Right off the bat, the first one is 1,000 times nastier than Steph's crossover.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:50 PM

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 01:47 PM

AI crossed everyone up nasty. Well, did he ever get Scottie?

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:50 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGw8mnHI6IA

^^^ Here you go.

What make's those Bulls teams so great is that Mike and Scottie would D you the f*ck up. They took it personal, they wanted to embarrass people. No one in the NBA plays D like the Bulls did. AI was a problem off the dribble unlike anyone.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 01:53 PM

AI also did it while being MAYBE 5'11 and skinny as hell going against more aggressive defenses that you see in the NBA today.

Posted by: UMike | April 02, 2015 at 01:56 PM

I've heard AI may be broke? But his agent got him a delayed payout for when he's 50? Something like that. I don't know why AI doesn't STILL do big time endorsements. He's a legend.

Posted by: The Dude | April 02, 2015 at 02:03 PM

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
Agree on his take on offense. Based strictly on his descriptions of the D, not seeing that the talent is really there, though. The DL appears to be much better, Corners are ok if not good, Safety and LB are big concerns, though. Time will tell.

Posted by: j.w. | April 02, 2015 at 02:27 PM

AI was a tough lil' dude. I remember watching one particular game, where they said He was playing through about 15 different injuries.

Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 02:52 PM

Very good points Dude. Price was paid against OSU in Fiasco. Dorsey took a beating; we got lazy, they were good up front, and Coker let them get too high for 2 years. No matter how great you are, you still got to whip the horses to make them cry and sing (The Doors). We were bad up front, turned it over to the tune of 17 points and played a bad game. It should never have come down to thew last play; delayed call for sure, but I do not buy bad call....tough call....another story a lot of opins!!!

Had we played strong up front and not turned it over so badly.....we win going away. Instead that game cursed the program...beginning of the end.

So lets start new in 2015 and get after it!!!!!!
Go canes!!!!!!!

Hows that for positive outlook....!!!

Posted by: VA Cane | April 02, 2015 at 03:04 PM

Run, Phillip, Run! (like the wind); Chickillo lean & mean; Denzel improves 40 (as did Duke), then pulls hammy

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2015/04/run-phillip-run-like-the-wind-chickillo-lean-mean-denzel-improves-40-then-pulls-hammy.html

Posted by: 30CINCO | April 02, 2015 at 03:16 PM

### Here was Mayock’s assessment, some of which he shared with me when I spoke to him after UM’s Pro Day and some of which aired on NFL Network’s Path to The Draft tonight:

“Love Dorsett today. Typically when a guy has a big performance at the Combine, they rest on those numbers. So I was really surprised he was going to do a full workout. He did a 4.25 on my [stopwatch]. The fact he did everything he did today when he didn’t have to was amazing. He really helped himself. At the end of the day, as good a receiver class is, he could be a late one. He’s a phenomenal player.

“I watched Ereck Flowers go through positional drills. He’s so raw and so young but he’s so gifted. He’s big, he’s long, great feet. He’s a potential Pro Bowl right tackle. A lot of technique he will have to clean up. He will go somewhere in the first round.

“Perryman ran a 4.68 before he pulled his hamstring. He’s a very active linebacker. I think he will go in the second or third round. Some questions about whether he can cover people.

“Duke Johnson dropped his 40 a tenth. A solid second round pick.”

### Four NFL head coaches were in attendance: Joe Philbin, Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin and Todd Bowles. Payton and Saints officials dined with Denzel Perryman, Clive Walford and Phillip Dorsett on Tuesday night.... All 32 teams were represented today... Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey praised UM's talent level.

### Denzel Perryman, by the way, said he has gotten a “great feeling from the Dolphins” and was told they really like him. He could be a possibility at pick 47.

### This is the one day of the year when UM and Dolphins people publicly interact. Dolphins offensive coordinator Bill Lazor had a long talk with Al Golden, and UM offensive coordinator James Coley had a long talk with Hickey.

### UM’s second game of the season (at FAU) was moved up a day, to Friday, Sept. 11, to accommodate the Conference USA TV deal. The game will start at 8 p.m.

FAU declined UM’s suggestion to move the game to Sun Life. UM opens Sept. 5 against Bethune Cookman.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2015/04/dolphins-book-meeting-with-first-round-wr-possibility-dolphinscanes-notes-from-um-pro-day-heat-.html

Posted by: 30CINCO | April 02, 2015 at 03:18 PM

Watching the Pro Day HLs I noticed Fentress. Y'know, I wasn't too fond of Him this season, but after re-watching the FSU game, He actually played a helluva game. Wouldn't be surprised to see Him on somebody's final 53 man roster.

Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 03:41 PM

Dude,
All's good!
Cheers!!

Posted by: CaneWarrior | April 02, 2015 at 03:54 PM

Me & a buddy were having this discussion the other day, but why does it seem like more kids are being born with Autism? Unless it was misdiagnosed BITD, I don't remember hearing much about it then.

My sister in law's son has been diagnosed with it BTW, so I'm wearing blue for my lil' buddy.

Posted by: CaneRock | April 02, 2015 at 04:10 PM

FOX College Football ‏@CFBONFOX 2m2 minutes ago

Spring hot seats: Top 10 coaches fighting for their jobs in 2015. http://foxs.pt/1GQlO79

4. Al Golden, Miami Hurricanes

Record at Miami: 28-22 (four seasons)

After taking a Temple program that was among the worst in the nation to respectability in the MAC, Golden seemed like a good fit to elevate Miami back into the ACC's elite. However, it hasn't worked out for Golden in four years, and there's plenty of pressure on this coaching staff in 2015. The Hurricanes are just 16-16 in four years in ACC play under Golden and finished 3-5 in league action last season. Talent certainly isn't an issue for Miami. However, this program is still looking for its first appearance in the ACC Championship Game since joining the league in 2004.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 04:50 PM

^^ That's not a negative post, either, and also is not slamming this staff or UM. It's a fact.

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | April 02, 2015 at 04:51 PM