Carlif Taylor: The G-Men’s DT Gem
on 05/27/2015 at 10:14 am
New York Giants Defensive Tackle Carlif Taylor is a two-time 1st team NCAA Northeast 10 All Conference athlete, decorated NCAA All-American and inspirational team captain during his successful tenure with Southern Connecticut State University Owls. Taylor surprisingly went undrafted in the NFL Draft 2015 in Chicago, IL in May 2015 before inking an exclusive deal with four-time NFL Super Bowl Champions and eleven-time conference Champions New York Giants.
The talented New York Giants athlete became a bona fide standout as a junior in 2013, recording a vastly impressive 54 tackles (31 solo), 10.5 for loss and three sacks. Taylor consistently shown great improvement during his senior year in the NCAA as captain in 2014, recording an impressive 73 tackles throughout the season for Southern Connecticut; Taylor led Southern Connecticut in tackles against Gannon, St. Anselm and Assumption (11 tackles in each respective contest).
New York Giants Carlif Taylor competes with an uber-intensely focused attitude, with a high motor that enables the gifted 6’2” 315 pound athlete to move quickly with both feet and hands. The New York-born warrior-esque competitor is built for victory, with an impressively immovable frame, positive attitude and innate set of fundamental and natural athletic skills which will see the promising 23-year-old rookie translate NCAA accolades and dominance swiftly into practice in the NFL. The future starts now.
Dean: What was your initial reaction when you recently signed with the New York Giants?
Carlif Taylor: It was unbelievable. I had to get on my knees and pray immediately. It’s almost impossible to describe my feelings in words. I was just stuck in awe and thankful to be a New York Giant.
Dean: What aspects of your unique game are you currently working on most?
Carlif Taylor: I’m working on everything. I believe in perfection, so as of now I am working on all aspects of my game, mentally and physically.
Dean: Which professional athletes did you admire most growing up?
Carlif Taylor: Warren Sapp, Muhummad Ali and Allen Iverson.
Dean: As a two-time 1st team NCAA Northeast 10 All Conference standout, NCAA All-American and team captain for Southern Connecticut State, what are your major goals in the NFL?
Carlif Taylor: My number one goal is a few Super Bowl’s, and eventually be one of the great Giants in our vast and prolific history.
Dean: How do you feel the New York Giants can improve in the forthcoming NFL 2015–16 season?
Carlif Taylor: We are Super Bowl bound this year, and I can’t be more excited to be on this team.
Dean: What is your opinion on the NFL International Series hosted at Wembley Stadium in London?
Carlif Taylor: I think it’s very unique and interesting. We all know the NFL is the number one sport in America, and with this Stadium (Wembley Stadium) in London it will just increase its fan base and make it more of an internationally known sport.
Dean: Where do New York sports fans at large rank throughout the nation?
Carlif Taylor: New York is one of the biggest fan states with almost all of its teams well known. Growing up in New York, I’ve never witnessed more die-hard fans in all sports.
Dean: Who do you feel is the most underrated player in the NFL at present?
Carlif Taylor: I would say Prince Amukamara (New York Giants). He is a great person, and even a better player.
Dean: What is your inspirational motto that you live by?
Carlif Taylor: Proverbs 27:17
Dean: Will you be engaging in any major philanthropic programs in New York?
Carlif Taylor: I will base my entire life and career on philanthropy and giving back to the community. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a child.
Originally published at afrsh.com on May 27, 2015.
