By Mark Pszonak
Every program hopes to find an up-and-coming young coach who can give a boost both on the field and with recruiting. Washington may have found that with Taylor Mays, who was just hired in January, but is already making a very positive impression on the program.
https://twitter.com/UW_Football/status/1879997075875828107
Mays had long been known for his play on the field. A Class of 2006 five-star recruit from O’Dea High School in Seattle, Mays played his college football at USC where he was a three-time First-Team All-American safety. Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by San Francisco, he also played with Cincinnati and Oakland during his six-year career.
In 2022 he transitioned to coaching, when he was hired by his alma mater as a defensive analyst. After three seasons with the Trojans, he was hired by Washington as the safeties coach. So, how has Mays made a favorable impression while only being on campus for six months?
Considering he has yet to coach during a game, where he has made an immediate impact has been as a recruiter. And his hard work paid off a few days ago when the Huskies received a commitment from four-star safety Gavin Day of Las Vegas, Nevada. Mays worked overtime to make Day feel like a priority and then helped seal deal during his official visit to Seattle over the weekend. The Huskies are also hot on the trail of four-star defensive end David Schwerzel, who just took an official visit to Washington and will announce his final decision on June 19th. What makes this more interesting is that Schwerzel plays for Mays’ alma mater, O’Dea, which is also where his father, Stafford Mays, is currently an assistant coach.
In the long run, Mays performance during games will eventually determine how successful of a coach he will become, but for now, Washington fans should be excited about their new addition.
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