April 27, 2005

Baltimore, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens and South Carolina defensive back Taqiy Muhammad have agreed to terms on a free agent contract.

As a senior, Muhammad was one of 11 student-athletes nationwide named to the 2004 American Football Coaches Association Good Works team, recognizing those student-athletes who have displayed exemplary service to their community, working with charitable organizations, and volunteering for other public service activities. On the field, he played in all 11 games as a senior, making 29 tackles, 25 of which were unassisted. He made a pair of tackles for loss, broke up four passes and picked off a pass thrown by Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones in the decisive third quarter in Carolina’s win over the Razorbacks. Muhammad was a spark for a Gamecock defensive unit that ranked fifth in the Southeastern Conference in total defense, sixth in rushing defense and third in pass defense efficiency.

During his junior year of 2003, Muhammad displayed his versatility by starting the year at wide receiver, then moving over to the secondary three-quarters of the way through the season. Following a solid spring practice, he was slated to be one of the stalwarts in the wide receiver rotation, and while playing receiver he had eight catches for 77 yards. Against Georgia, he caught three passes for 41 yards, including a long reception of 32 yards. He also had two catches for 20 yards vs. Virginia. After moving over to the secondary, he was in on eight total tackles, broke up one pass, recovered one fumble and caused two fumbles. Muhammad started against Florida and responded with a four-tackle performance and caused a fumble in that contest. He recovered a fumble against UAB and forced a fumble against Arkansas.

In his sophomore year, Muhammad played defensive back and was on special teams, appearing in 10 games with five starts at cornerback. He was credited with 34 tackles (26 solo) and made a season-high eight tackles vs. Tennessee.

Muhammad came to Carolina after one year at Butler Community College, where he earned National Junior College second-team All-America honors while playing alongside fellow Gamecock in the NFL Marcus Lawrence, who recently signed a free-agent deal with the Carolina Panthers.

The New York City native moved to North Carolina as a child and prepped at Laney HS, which is the same school that produced Michael Jordan. While in high school, Muhammad rushed for more than 2,600 yards and 35 touchdowns. In addition, he was the North Carolina state champion in the 110 high hurdles.