University of Missouri Athletics

James Taylor came to Mizzou from Peoria, Illinois, and developed into one of MU’s most feared and punishing offensive linemen. He was a major factor in helping Mizzou to some of its biggest wins in history, including a 20-7 win at second-ranked Alabama in 1975, a 46-25 win at eighth-ranked USC in 1976, a 22-21 win at second-ranked Ohio State in 1976 and a 34-24 win at third-ranked Nebraska in 1976. Taylor won first-team all-Big Eight Conference honors for his stellar play as a senior in 1977 and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray Classic, as well as the Senior Bowl, in 1978. He went on to become a second-round pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and had a solid professional career. Taylor was a starter for the Saints, and played in 57 games overall for the franchise from 1978-81.