After weeks of anticipation, former Longhorn stars Trey Moore, DJ Campbell, and Michael Taaffe signed their first NFL deals with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday. The trio was drafted by the Dolphins just a few months ago and is expected to be key parts of their future. They also each left behind a legacy in Austin that fans will never forget.
During the draft, Taaffe was the second to hear his name called when he was selected in the fifth-round. He started his career as a walk-on and became one of head coach Steve Sarkisian’s best players. In 53 games the Austin native recorded 222 total tackles and seven interceptions. The talented safety also recorded three sacks and thrived regardless of the opponent.
While Taaffe impressed in the secondary, Moore made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. He finished his Longhorns career with 71 total tackles in 28 games. After transferring to Texas from UTSA, Moore recorded 9.5 sacks and was a dependable piece. Due to his play, the Dolphins drafted Moore in the fourth round.
Rounding out the list is Campbell, who was taken in the sixth round right after Taaffe. In 50 games wearing the burnt orange, the Bowie High alum was a key piece on the offensive line. He was part of a group that was a Joe Moore Award finalist in 2004. Each year, the award is given to the best offensive line in college football.
With the start of the NFL season still months away, fans will have to be patient to see Moore, Campbell, and Taaffe in action. If they can replicate their success from college, they will have productive careers with the Dolphins. That is why they were a priority for Miami in the draft.
Now that their first pro deal has officially been signed, the trio can focus on making their mark in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former Longhorns trio signs first NFL deal with Miami Dolphins
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
