His nickname was “Rabbit,” as his youth coach once pointed out, and his 4.41.40 time at the scouting combine borne out, ever since he was a kid, when he ran around the field “like a rabbit.” This is a long-standing nickname. Taylor-Demerson, who had gone all the way back in his life to get to Texas Tech, didn't want to abandon his offensive roots but realized it worked for him.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder had four interceptions last season and 10 in his college career and was named All-Big 12 in 2023. He was also named the Shrine Bowl Defensive Player of the Week in January.
“His best attributes are his distance and ball skills,” general manager Monty Ossenfort said. “He has a sense of football. We think he can play in the deep half of the field and then we'll see what else he can do.”
For a safety to be a fourth-round pick in the NFL is impressive. The Oklahoma City native was headed to Utah State as a running back until his scholarship offer was withdrawn due to a coaching change. He found his way to Texas Tech, but they just wanted him to play defense.
Taylor Demerson's first reaction? “Are you kidding me? Didn't you see my offensive tape?”
Now he's playing safety alongside Baker and Thompson and looking to make a different impact than he once thought.
“I was always skeptical,” Taylor Demerson said. “I was a little guy and I didn't know what to do. But I had a chance. Once I got there, I'm a high-character guy and a phenomenal athlete. I showed up and figured out what I was going to do. I’ll do what I have to do.”
“I'm excited to arrive in Arizona and be a part of the defense.”
