Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011

Former Drake All-America defensive end Dain Taylor has signed a free agent contract with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League, the team announced today on its website.

Today is the first day of the AFL's free agency period. The 2012 season begins in March.

"We are fired up for Dain," said Drake head coach Chris Creighton. "He will quickly make a name for himself in the Arena Football League. The Utah Blaze just became better and they have now added a bunch of fans from Des Moines, Iowa."

Blaze head coach Ron James was quoted on the team's website as saying:

"Dain Taylor is an exceptional defensive talent and we are eager to see him play for us this season. As a team we have made it a priority to strengthen our defensive unit this off season and this signing will help steer us in that direction."

Taylor, from Highlands Ranch, Colo., spent time this past spring and summer working out with members of the Denver Broncos during the NFL lockout.

In 2010 Taylor capped his stellar Drake career 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. As a co-captain his senior year, he started in all 11 games, tallying 49.5 tackles, including 13.5 sacks (3rd in nation/3rd PFL) and 24 tackles for loss (3rd in nation/2nd PFL). He also recorded one interception that was returned for a touchdown, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick. He was named PFL co-Defensive Player of the Week for his career-best 12-tackle performance at Dayton that included 3.5 sacks, including one for a safety, and blocked a kick.

In his collegiate career, he recorded 149.5 total tackles, including 27.5 sacks and 54.5 total tackles for loss, along with 12 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles and four blocked kicks.