Taylor Mays returning to USC

by John Berkowitz on Jan 13, 2009 2:42 PM PST Comment 17 comments

Taylor Mays is returning for his senior season at USC even though he would probably be a top 20 pick in the draft. Mays who played as a frosh wants to spend four full years in college which is probably smart over the long term. Another year to get older and stronger will help in the next step up.

"It came down to whether I felt I was ready physically and mentally. I feel there are some more things in my game that I can improve upon, things that would help me take the next step. I didn't want to sell myself short.

"I'm also on track to graduate this fall and I know that's a big deal to my parents. I'm excited to start working hard toward next season. In fact, I wish I could start playing the 2009 season right now."

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Future Hall of Famer

How did this kid ever slip through our hands? It was bad enough when we lost Stewart, but this kid has perennial pro bowler written all over him along with future Hall of Famer.

I hope Sark is busy putting that fence up to keep kids from leaving the great state of Washington.

by crazidawg on Jan 13, 2009 4:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Do you even need to ask why? Ty and his “recruits come to me, I don’t go to them” attitude.

by kirkd on Jan 13, 2009 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I know why- I was just adding emphasis by saying “How did this kid ever…” Believe me I know why. If Mays wouldn’ve signed with the UofW, we’re takling next Lawyer Milloy.

by crazidawg on Jan 13, 2009 5:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ty

Ty didn’t go after him hard enough and he didn’t show excitement or seem as fun to play for as Carroll.

You should never lose a legacy recruit.

by John Berkowitz on Jan 13, 2009 8:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that all may be true ...

… but, really, it could be just the fact that USC had more to offer Mr. Mays given his interests and his priorities at the time. We can’t on one hand say that Ty was the reason we lost Mays and then not acknowledge the fact Locker got landed. Jake and Taylor had different priorities and USC was a better fit. I’m not sure any coach could have changed that formula for Taylor given where the Huskies were at back then.

"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.

by Gekko Mojo on Jan 14, 2009 7:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Gecko

It could if you strayed away from reality.

He chose Carroll. He liked Carroll better. He trusted Carroll’s vision more

Ty is precisely the reason we lost him.

by John Berkowitz on Jan 14, 2009 9:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't disagree necessarily ...

… but, then, by your logic you would have to say that Ty is precisely the reason that we got Jake. Its duplicit to argue that the program was a big enough draw for Jake and not for Taylor UNLESS you accept my argument that the USC program had more to offer Taylor given his priorities (more television, more buzz, more winning, more competition, better bowls, etc).

While I often get cited as being a Ty apologist, the fact of the matter is that it is not true. I only object to arguments that orient themselves around the fact that Ty is responsible for all that has gone wrong for nothing that has gone right. That kind of scapegoating is illogical and prevents people from taking on the problems that go beyond the name of the head coach. We had to solve that problem (and did, a year too late), but it is not the only one requiring solving.

"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.

by Gekko Mojo on Jan 15, 2009 8:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Typology

We aren’t talking about Jake at all.

Jake decided to go to Washington so his friends and family could easily see him play.

Ty isn’t solely responsibile for Jake coming here. He would have come here for any coach.

With Taylor it is a completely different story which has no relation at all to Locker.

I don’t have to accept your argument because it has nothing at all to do with the situation. Ty didn’t recruit him very hard and he went elsewhere. If you remember correctly he decided in August. Earlier than Ty usually starts recruiting. Put that loss 100% on the shoulders of Willingham.

It had nothing to do with the buzz, he just thought Carroll showed him more attention.

by John Berkowitz on Jan 15, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've got to take John's side on this one

Different players have different wants and needs, and take different approaches to get them.

Jake wanted to stay home, and would be playing for the UW no matter who the coach was. Look how quickly he has taken to Sark.

Mays wanted a spring board to the NFL. Ty didn’t do enough to make him believe that spring board could have been the UW.

"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"

by Lear Pilot on Jan 17, 2009 8:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Good for him....Bad for us

by bigdave967 on Jan 13, 2009 5:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UW recievers coach

Gilby is available per Condotta

by mynameisdavid on Jan 13, 2009 5:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Gilby

I wouldn’t mind Keith Gilbertson back. The guy’s dream job was head coach of Washington and he got it, but at the most miserable time.

I would imagine Gilby would work his butt off in order to restore the program. It sort of fell while on his watch and I think he feels sore about it.

BUT WE NEED DOUG NUSSMEIRE!

by crazidawg on Jan 13, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Gilby

His best days as a college assistant are behind him.

by John Berkowitz on Jan 13, 2009 8:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No love lost...

Gilby still holds a MAJOR grudge against UW for how badly he was treated after so many loyal years of service. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to work for Chip Kelly…

by McGuinness on Jan 13, 2009 8:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Grudge?

I wouldn’t be so sure of that.

by John Berkowitz on Jan 13, 2009 9:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

His brother went to my school.

They’re a nice family.

Big Z is the MAN.

by Taylor H on Jan 14, 2009 11:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Mays back

Sanchez out (not official but ESPN is reporting it). What is bigger news in terms of next years game. I think losing Sanchez is more important because he is the QB…the Offensive general. I say that now but I could very well put my foot in mouth is Mays has a good game infront of the hometown……..

by bigdave967 on Jan 15, 2009 8:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs