Akron Zips

Jason Taylor

Jason Taylor
Akron Athletics
Before embarking on an All-Pro career with the Miami Dolphins, Taylor starred at Akron, earning first-team All-MAC honors his final two seasons. He received honorable mention All-America honors as a junior, collecting 99 tackles and five sacks as the Zips' weakside linebacker. Taylor moved to defensive end as a senior and showcased the pass-rushing prowess that would define his pro career, racking up 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Taylor also lettered for Akron's basketball team before becoming the school's highest-ever NFL draft pick (third round) in 1997. He was just the third person inducted into the university's Ring of Honor. -- Adam Rittenberg

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Taylor had 12 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries and recorded a safety in Akron's 21-18 loss to Orange Bowl-bound Virginia Tech on Sept. 7, 1996. He earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.

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Spent nine years coaching Zips after being fired from Notre Dame, had three winning seasons before becoming a university fundraiser.

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