Taylor, other Huskers honored
His mother told him he would win a Heisman Trophy at Nebraska.
Although that’s rather unlikely at this point, Zac Taylor no doubt will receive his share of postseason honors this year, beginning with Big 12 offensive player of the year as voted by league coaches.
Taylor received the news Tuesday. The Husker senior quarterback, who has led his team into Saturday night’s Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma, probably will earn several such awards in coming days.
Taylor said he was sure both of his parents would be pleased with Tuesday’s annoucement.
“They’ll take a lot of pride in this,” he said. “Of course they’re proud parents, so they will be excited.”
Taylor said he was honored by his selection, and credited his teammates and coaches.
“I really honestly think the coaching I’ve received here is far better than anything I’ve ever seen,” he said. “That’s not to knock the coaches I’ve had in the past. These coaches just have so much more experience.”
Taylor this season has completed 196 of 315 passes (62.2 percent) for 2,789 yards and 24 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. In leading 19th-ranked Nebraska to a 9-3 record — and to its first Big 12 title game since 1999 — Taylor produced nine 200-yard passing games, including six in league play.
“He’s been exemplary,” Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said. “He’s the epitome of a championship football player. He’s a great, great example to our younger players. He’ll leave a positive legacy behind him of what a Husker player should be on and off the field.”
Taylor’s success at Nebraska might well help lure other quarterbacks to the program, Callahan said.
“I think there’s going to be quarterbacks across the country who see there’s opportunity at Nebraska to flourish,” the coach said. “It’s not all about stats and things of that nature — it’s about winning.”
“I’m just elated for him.”
In addition, Nebraska senior Adam Carriker was named Defensive Lineman of the Year by league coaches, while fullback Dane Todd and linebacker Bo Ruud also earned first-team honors.
Husker running back Brandon Jackson, wideout Maurice Purify and defensive end Jay Moore were second-team selections.
Coaches weren’t allowed to vote for their own players.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
Although that’s rather unlikely at this point, Zac Taylor no doubt will receive his share of postseason honors this year, beginning with Big 12 offensive player of the year as voted by league coaches.
Taylor received the news Tuesday. The Husker senior quarterback, who has led his team into Saturday night’s Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma, probably will earn several such awards in coming days.
Taylor said he was sure both of his parents would be pleased with Tuesday’s annoucement.
“They’ll take a lot of pride in this,” he said. “Of course they’re proud parents, so they will be excited.”
Taylor said he was honored by his selection, and credited his teammates and coaches.
“I really honestly think the coaching I’ve received here is far better than anything I’ve ever seen,” he said. “That’s not to knock the coaches I’ve had in the past. These coaches just have so much more experience.”
Taylor this season has completed 196 of 315 passes (62.2 percent) for 2,789 yards and 24 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. In leading 19th-ranked Nebraska to a 9-3 record — and to its first Big 12 title game since 1999 — Taylor produced nine 200-yard passing games, including six in league play.
“He’s been exemplary,” Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said. “He’s the epitome of a championship football player. He’s a great, great example to our younger players. He’ll leave a positive legacy behind him of what a Husker player should be on and off the field.”
Taylor’s success at Nebraska might well help lure other quarterbacks to the program, Callahan said.
“I think there’s going to be quarterbacks across the country who see there’s opportunity at Nebraska to flourish,” the coach said. “It’s not all about stats and things of that nature — it’s about winning.”
“I’m just elated for him.”
In addition, Nebraska senior Adam Carriker was named Defensive Lineman of the Year by league coaches, while fullback Dane Todd and linebacker Bo Ruud also earned first-team honors.
Husker running back Brandon Jackson, wideout Maurice Purify and defensive end Jay Moore were second-team selections.
Coaches weren’t allowed to vote for their own players.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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