Taylor Mays

Classroom

Mays is on schedule to graduate in four years with a degree in sociology.

Character

This spring, Mays turned down a chance to be a top 10 NFL draft pick for a chance to get better, stay young, remain a student and graduate and for a chance to be with his teammates. His decision to remain a Trojan is multi-faceted, but it also signifies his readiness to bear a significant amount of responsibility. He is the undisputed senior leader of the USC defense and is now the face of the program. He is one of the first players media approach. His dedication to improving himself and for setting an example as a workaholic for younger players shines through in the extra work he does after every practice (not to mention his unshakable presence in the weight room).

Community

Mays’ recent community outreach has included speaking at local elementary schools, visiting patients at the USC Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and, at the Swim With Mike spring event, which raises money for scholarships for disabled athletes, Mays was selected to mark the final fundraising total, his presence large enough to earn the honor. He also devotes extra time after every practice to sign autographs and take pictures with fans, which is not a small task at the famously open USC practices.

Competition

Mays is a two-time All-American first teamer (2007 and 2008) and All-American second team in 2006; He was a 2008 All-Pac-10 first team and among three finalists for the 2008 Thorpe Award (best defensive back in country). He is about to start for his fourth year in a row. He is USC’s leading returning tackler (53) and led USC in deflections in 2008. He is a 2008 and 2009 Playboy Preseason All-American.