Miami football top 10 scariest defensive players of all time

3. Sean Taylor, S, 2001-2003

At 6’2″ and 231 pounds, Taylor had size that was intimidating for a safety. Playing under Ed Reed, Taylor matched or exceeded some of the Miami records his mentor set. The 10 interceptions Taylor had in 2003 tied Blades for most in one season in Miami history. Taylor is fifth all-time with 14 interceptions.

Taylor covered like a cornerback and hit like a linebacker. The Florida State game in 2003 epitomized how scary Taylor was for opponents. Taylor had two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), at least four other pass breakups, and he recovered a blocked punt in a 22-14 Miami victory.

Following his performance versus Florida State, Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden was asked what he learned. Bowden responded you cannot leave the ball up, and that Taylor was the best safety he had seen in a long time. The game was thoroughly dominated by Taylor. Taylor won the Jack Tatum trophy later that season.

Elizabeth Merrill wrote in 2007 for ESPN that there was a legend that Taylor hit an opponent so hard in high school at Gulliver Prep that the player’s facemask and screws fell apart. Taylor was also intimidating with his speed and was clocked running 40 yards in 4.51 seconds. Few players had Taylor’s physicality, size and speed.