Florida Gators Senior Spotlight: Mike Taylor

Saturday, Florida Gators linebacker Mike Taylor will take the field for the final time at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, nearing the end of a collegiate career that has displayed the dedication and growth both on and off the field.

Taylor had a stellar high school career, earning all-league honors and playing in the 2010 Under Armour All-American Game, where he was named MVP for the White Team. After passing up offers from Stanford, Miami, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and LSU, Taylor signed with Florida, one of the last players to be recruited by Urban Meyer.

The linebacker was redshirted the 2010 season, but appeared in 12 games in 2011, starting his first game against Vanderbilt. Taylor had 36 tackles that season, with 4.5 of them for a loss. Taylor also had a fumble recovery against Florida State and an interception against Kentucky, which earned him a Ball Hawk award by the team.

The following season, Taylor appeared in all 13 games, staring against LSU. The then-redshirt sophomore had 32 tackles, 1.5 of them for a loss. Taylor also had a sack against Texas A&M and an interception against Kentucky. It was the Gators’ best season during Taylor’s time with the program, as Florida went 11-1 in the regular season, losing to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl.

Despite the worst record since 1979 (4-8), 2013 proved to be the Taylor’s best year to date, as he played in 11 games, starting 10 of them. The linebacker led the team with 62 tackles, including a career-high 10 tackles against LSU. His improved play would lead to a team captain selection in four games, as well as a Rex Farrior Most Spirited Award for the defense.

This season has been another successful one for Taylor, despite missing a game with a knee injury. In the eight contest the linebacker has seen action in, Taylor has accumulated 42 total tackles, 11 of them solo and 2.5 of them for a loss. Taylor tied his career best against Alabama, accumulating 10 tackles, and had a sack against Missouri.

The linebacker has been credited by the coaching staff for his progression throughout his career. Head coach Will Muschamp noted how Taylor didn’t play much early in his career, but has continued to improve while defensive coordinator DJ Durkin said Taylor has grown and is playing the best football of his career.

As his time at Florida winds down, Mike Taylor’s progression over his collegiate career has earned the respect from his team. The characteristics are representative of his passion for the sport and his dedication to improving upon his craft. Saturday’s contest will conclude four years of playing games at a stadium that has provided many memories to the linebacker.

While the emotions will be there as Taylor walks through the tunnel for the final time, the focus is to finish out his career at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium a winner.

“I played a lot of games here. Emotions will run high because it will be my last home game. It’ll be an emotional game. You know, the main goal is to get the victory and go out as a winner in the Swamp.”