Michael Taylor (American football) facts for kids

Michael A. Taylor is a former American football player who was a star quarterback for the University of Michigan. He played for the Michigan Wolverines from 1986 to 1989. During his time, he was the starting quarterback in 1988 and 1989. He helped his team win the Big Ten Conference championships in both of those years. Michael Taylor ended his college career as Michigan's top player in passing efficiency. This means he was very good at throwing the ball accurately and effectively.

Early Life and High School Success

Michael Taylor grew up in Lincoln Heights, Ohio. His mother and grandmother raised him. He often said they taught him how important it was to work hard and win. He wanted to do his best to show them how much he loved and appreciated them.

Taylor went to Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio. He was a talented player there. In 1983, he led his high school team to win a Division I state championship.

Playing for the Michigan Wolverines

Michael Taylor joined the University of Michigan in 1985. He spent his first year as a "redshirt" freshman. This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. This allowed him to gain experience without using up a year of his college playing time.

1986 Season: First Steps on the Field

In 1986, Taylor played in a few games. He ran for 33 yards and scored a touchdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini. These were his first moments playing for Michigan.

1987 Season: Stepping Up as Quarterback

In 1987, Taylor played in seven games. He even started two games as quarterback. He threw his first touchdown pass for Michigan while playing as a backup. He got his first chance to start when the main quarterback, Demetrius Brown, hurt his thumb.

Even though he was new to starting, Michigan's coach, Bo Schembechler, trusted him. Coach Schembechler told reporters that Taylor was a "fine quarterback" and "smart."

Taylor started against Northwestern. The team focused on running the ball a lot in that game. Taylor was the star, running for 144 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He had a 65-yard touchdown run!

After this game, Taylor pulled a leg muscle. Demetrius Brown was able to return as the starting quarterback. Taylor also started in Michigan's win against Alabama in the 1988 Hall of Fame Bowl.

1988 Season: Leading the Team to a Big Ten Title

The 1988 season started with some questions about who would be the main quarterback. Taylor had missed practice due to a hamstring injury. But Coach Schembechler chose Taylor to be the starter. He said Taylor "has thrown well, has run well, knows the offense."

Taylor started nine games for the 1988 Michigan team. This team had a great season, winning the Big Ten Conference championship. They also won the 1989 Rose Bowl against USC. Taylor completed 62.3% of his passes and was only intercepted twice.

In a close game against the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes, Taylor played his best game of the season. He threw for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Even though Michigan lost, Taylor's performance was praised by many. The Washington Post said he led a "startlingly effective passing game."

Unfortunately, Taylor broke his collarbone during a game against Minnesota. He had to miss the rest of the season, including the Rose Bowl. Even with the injury, Taylor was the Big Ten's leader in passing efficiency for 1988.

1989 Season: Another Championship Year

As a senior in 1989, Taylor started eight games for the 1989 Michigan team. They had another fantastic season, winning the Big Ten Conference championship again. Taylor threw for 1,081 yards and 11 touchdowns that year.

Before the season started, there were worries about Taylor's shoulder. He had a sore arm and missed some practice. But he was determined to play. He said, "I can throw freely and it doesn't hurt. I'm close to 100 percent."

Michigan started the season playing against Notre Dame. Taylor started the game and threw a touchdown pass. But he had to leave the game after hurting his back. He missed the next four games while he recovered.

When Taylor returned, he played very well. In a game against Iowa, he completed 11 of 15 passes and threw two touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown. Coach Schembechler noted that the team's offense was "more productive" with Taylor back.

Taylor had one of the best games of his career against Minnesota. He threw for 231 yards and tied a Michigan record with four touchdown passes! Three of those went to his teammate Greg McMurtry.

In his final game at Michigan Stadium, Taylor led Michigan to a win over Ohio State. This was also Coach Schembechler's last home game as head coach.

1990 Rose Bowl: A Final Challenge

The Wolverines won the Big Ten championship and went to the Rose Bowl again. Taylor was the starting quarterback. Before the game, some people questioned his throwing style. But Taylor didn't let it bother him. He said, "I just go out and play, and I don't listen to the critics."

In the Rose Bowl, Michigan played against USC. Taylor threw for 115 yards. USC's defense played very well, making it tough for Taylor to throw.

Career Highlights and Records

Michael Taylor played quarterback for Michigan for three years (1987-1989). He completed 163 passes for 2,194 yards. He threw 17 touchdown passes and only 7 interceptions. His completion percentage was 59.3%.

When he finished his career, Michael Taylor was ranked first among all Michigan quarterbacks in passing efficiency. His 59.3% completion percentage was the second-best in Michigan history, just behind Jim Harbaugh.