Curtis Taylor, DB

Taylor replaced All-American LaRon Landry in 2007 and proved capable of handling the challenge, posting 54 tackles and three interceptions. His production dropped in 2008 (43 tackles, one for loss, two INT), partially because he missed three starts due to injury but also because his inconsistent play allowed younger players to earn playing time late in the season.

Positives: Long, chiseled frame. … Prototype size for the position -- rangy and athletic. … Reads the field well and reacts quickly to the action. … Good straight-line speed and range in coverage. … Has natural hands for the interception and times his leaps well to pluck the ball at its highest point. … Competitive. … Has long arms and strength to wrap up tacklers. … Flashes explosive hitting ability.

Negatives: Can be too aggressive and can be tricked by effective play-action. … Takes poor angles in run support and when attacking receivers in the open field. … Is not a physical intimidator. … Will go for the hit instead of the secure tackle or interception. … Tight in the hips and is best when coming straight into the action. … Lacks the change-of-direction agility to handle running backs or receivers one-on-one in the open field.

Had 54 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2007.

Played in 12 of the Tigers' 13 games, all in a reserve roll … Was credited with 12 tackles and a broken up pass in 2006 … Was responsible for a career-high four tackles in LSU's victory over Arizona.

Played in 11 games, all in a reserve roll … Saw most of his action on special teams … Had 3 tackles and 1 pass breakup to his credit … Recorded 2 tackles vs. Tennessee and broke up a pass against Ole Miss.

Redshirted as a true freshman in 2004.

One of the state's most underrated players in 2003 … A versatile, all-around athlete who played safety, quarterback and wide receiver during his prep career … Made the move from quarterback to wide receiver midway through his junior year … Racked up 562 yards with 28 catches and 6 touchdowns as a senior … Named to the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen and to the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Top 20 Blue-Chip list … All-district selection who helped the Demons to a 7-5 record and a state regional appearance in 2003 … One of the highest recruited players to ever come out of Franklinton … Coached by Shane Smith.

Full name is Curtis Trishton Taylor … Born July 13, 1985, in Bogalusa … Parents are Curtis, Jr. and Annette Taylor … Has eight brothers and sisters: Tiffany, Stephanie, Shawana, Timirria, Jhyryn, Britney, Brannon, and Colby … Majoring in general studies.