MIAMI LAKES, FL – Three of the most talented players in college football history, a pair of first round picks in the NFL Draft, two Orange Bowl Game MVPs, and a BCS National Champion are among a class of three inductees to the 2019 Orange Bowl Hall of Fame presented by AutoNation.
University of Miami offensive lineman Vernon Carey, University of Florida wide receiver Travis Taylor and Notre Dame wide receiver Derrick Mayes will be joining elite company in the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame presented by AutoNation.
The three will be presented to the crowd during an on-field ceremony prior to the 86th Capital One Orange Bowl game between the University of Florida and the University of Virginia, Monday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The 2019 Hall of Fame class will join 119 others who have made an impact on the bowl since its beginning in 1935.
Vernon Carey paved the way for the Hurricanes to rush for 218 yards and back-up running back Jarrett Payton (Frank Gore was injured) to gain 131 rushing yards and earn Orange Bowl MVP Honors in Miami’s 16-14 win over Florida State in the 2004 Orange Bowl. He was the first-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins going 19th overall and the third offensive lineman selected.
Travis Taylor caught seven passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore, leading the Gators to a 31-10 win over Syracuse and securing their sixth straight 10-win season. Taylor was voted the MVP of the 1999 Orange Bowl and was later selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (10th overall) in the 2000 NFL Draft.
Derrick Mayes was the MVP of the 1996 Orange Bowl, hauling in six receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns (33 and 39 yards) for the Irish. He also returned a punt for an apparent touchdown, that was called back for an illegal block. Mayes was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers and was a part of their Super Bowl XXXI winning team.
