by Allie LeClair, Drake Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Former All-America defensive end Dain Taylor is coming back to Des Moines, but this time not to play for the Drake Bulldogs. Taylor will take on the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday night as a member of the Arena Football League's Utah Blaze.
Taylor signed with the Blaze as a free agent on Sept. 26, 2011, and blocked a kick in his first game on March 10 against San Antonio.
After graduating in 2010, Taylor spent the spring and summer working out with members of the Denver Broncos in his home state of Colorado, hoping for a chance to extend his football career in the professional ranks. Drake head football coach Chris Creighton wasn't surprised by Taylor's determination.
“His work ethic is incredible,” Creighton said. “He was always pushing himself to get better.”
VIDEO: Dain Taylor
The Highlands Ranch, Colo., native ended his collegiate career in 2010 on an impressive note by earning second-team AP FCS All-America, AFCA FCS All-America, first-team All-Pioneer Football League and PFL Defensive Player of the Year. Taylor also was named Pioneer Football League's co-Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Dayton where he tallied a career-high12-tackles, including 3.5 sacks, one safety, and a blocked kick.
Serving as a co-captain his senior year, Taylor made an impression in all 11 of Drake's games, tallying 49.5 tackles, including 13.5 sacks (3rd in nation) and 24 tackles for loss (3rd in nation). He also returned one interception for a touchdown, recorded four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one blocked kick.
Taylor recorded 149.5 career tackles, including 27.5 sacks and 54.5 total tackles for loss. He also posted 12 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles and four blocked kicks.
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 7:05 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena, and Coach Creighton is excited to watch one of his old players take the field again.
“I will absolutely be at the game on Saturday night,” Creighton emphasized. “Everyone associated with Drake Football is incredibly proud of who Dain Taylor is and for what he is accomplishing as a professional.”
