He played for the University of Wisconsin from 1972 to 1977. Taft also played for the United States in the 1973, 1974, and 1975 World Championships and the 1976 Olympics. The Detroit Red Wings chose him 81st overall in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft while the Phoenix Roadrunners picked him 120th overall in the 1974 WHA Amateur Draft. Taft opted to go with the Wings.