Taylor Mays

About Taylor Mays

Taylor Mays (born February 7, 1988 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.) is a football free safety at the University of Southern California.

Mays is a graduate of O'Dea High School. Mays was named a 2005 Parade All-American and the Gatorade Washington player of the year. He also ran track where he was a 2-time state 3A champion in both the 100 and 200 meters. Following his high school career, Mays was invited to play in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Mays elected to go to USC, crediting the personality and style of Coach Pete Carroll as a major factor in his decision.

Mays got the start at free safety his freshman year after Josh Pinkard went down with a season ending injury in their first game against Arkansas. Throughout the year he was a solid safety recording 62 tackles (60 coming in his 12 starts) and a team-best 3 interceptions. Mays became the third Trojan named the Pac-10’s co-freshman of the year. In the Spring 2007 practice, Mays ran a 4.25 second 40-yard dash, making him the fastest player on the Trojans.