Friends and family are mourning a former University of Wyoming football player who died last week in Denver.
KeShaun Taylor, 23, was a highly ranked member of the Cowboys’ 2020 recruiting class from Denver’s Thomas Jefferson High School, where he excelled as a safety.
He never played a down in Laramie during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and elected to transfer in May 2021, about four months before the next season kicked off, according to Fox Sports.
“Wyoming Athletics and Cowboy Football was saddened to hear about the loss of KeShaun Taylor,” Nick Seeman, the Cowboys’ associate athletic director, said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Taylor’s friends and family members could not be reached Wednesday. A GoFundMe page created to help Taylor’s mother, who is disabled, states that Taylor had been financially supporting her.
An online obituary said Taylor died Nov. 26. The cause has not been publicly stated. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday in Denver.
‘Infectious Smile’
The GoFundMe campaign, which features a smiling photo of Taylor in a brown Cowboys home jersey with his arm draped around his mother, has raised more than $22,000 for her care.
The fundraiser describes Taylor as a charismatic young man who started playing sports at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver.
“His infectious smile, and god given communication ability inspired long lasting friendships,” it says. “He was a born leader and able to inspire many. He had a remarkable gift for bringing people together.”
Nicknamed “Keezy,” Taylor “empowered young people to believe in themselves and discover their potential,” according to the campaign.
Football Standout
Taylor was a standout player for Thomas Jefferson, a high school on Denver’s south side. Listed at 6 feet and 195 pounds, he was rated by recruiting services as a three-star prospect.
He had a strong connection to Wyoming through Derrick Martin, his high school head coach and a former Cowboys defensive back who played eight years in the NFL, winning Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.
As a high school senior, Taylor recorded 55 tackles and recovered two fumbles on defense while catching 30 passes for 249 yards as a wide receiver, according to the Cowboys’ online media guide.
He was credited with 138 tackles, 875 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns during his high school career.
“He also excels on the basketball court at Thomas Jefferson High School,” according to the Cowboys’ website. “He was also recruited by Colorado State and Colorado.”
It’s unclear whether Taylor continued playing football after leaving Wyoming. University officials said they did not know his next steps.
Justin George can be reached at justin@cowboystatedaily.com.
