Ron "Clump" Taylor (1994) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Ron "Clump" Taylor

Induction:
1994

Ronald (Clump) Taylor is recognized as one of the best linebackers pound for pound, inch for inch that has ever played for Southern Mississippi. Although he was never a highly recruited player out of Jackson (Miss.) Callaway High School it was his inner drive and dedication that made him one of the true leaders in the early years of “The Nasty Bunch”.
   Taylor joined the Golden Eagles for the 1976 season and although it is difficult for a freshman to break into the starting lineup that is exactly what he was able to do midway through the year. Although Taylor was playing regularly in 1976 as a reserve and a valuable member of the special teams it was against Alabama at Legion Field in Birmingham that he first made his mark. Crimson Tide fullback Johnny Davis was one of the biggest and strongest runners in the Southeastern Conference and had not lost a single yard all season long rushing. But Taylor on a crucial short yardage play, shot the gap, lowered his head and shoulder and popped Davis driving him backwards for a loss.
   After his performance that day In Birmingham, Taylor became a full fledged leader of the Southern Miss defense and in fact went on to become the second leading tackler on the team that year with 85 and also snatched the first interception of his career. Although the Golden Eagles were in the midst of a rebuilding year under Coach Bobby Collins, Taylor and the Golden Eagle defense improved with each game
   With Taylor solidly entrenched at linebacker the Golden Eagles continued to improve on defense and Clump started to gain recognition around the country in 1976. He recorded 134 tackles that season to lead the team, one of the highest single season tackle totals in school history. Taylor was also among the leaders that year in tackles for losses and quarterback sacks and help lead the team to three wins over teams from the Southeastern Conference (Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Auburn).
   After finishing 6-6 in 1977, the 1978 team with Taylor now beginning his third season as a starter would go on to post a 7-4 record. Clump would contribute a career high 148 tackles, add the second interception of his career and again be one of the leaders in quarterback sacks and tackles for losses.
   That 1978 team ranked 16th in the country in rushing defense (135.5 yards) and 23rd in total defense (269.5).
   As a senior in 1979 Taylor had 143 total tackles and a career high four interceptions as the team would finish the year 6-4-1 and record wins over Ole Miss and Mississippi State and finish the year ranked 24th in scoring defense, allowing just 13.3 points per game.
   Taylor would finish his career as the school’s all-time leading tackler with 510, the only player in Southern Miss history with more than 500 tackles.
   He earned all-South Independent honors in 1978 and 1979 and was also an honorable mention All-America selection those two seasons.
   After a free agent tryout with the Miami Dolphins he has gone on to a successful career as a college football assistant.