Recruiting: Salem's Taylor gives new meaning to versatility

Before barreling over would-be tacklers in a clash of unbeaten division rivals, Salem High School running back Jonathan Taylor joined with members of the choir on the track that circles the football field.

Taylor and his harmonic schoolmates delivered a sweet-sounding rendition of the national anthem in advance of the Rams' showdown with rival Pennsville last Saturday afternoon.

"There's nothing better than singing a song before playing the game that I love," Taylor said.

The contrast between that melodic performance with the choir and that hard running as a member of the football team served to illustrate the versatility of the Rams' resident Renaissance Man.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Taylor is one of South Jersey's top recruits in the Class of 2017. He's mulling scholarship offers from programs such as Temple, Rutgers, Army, Albany and Harvard.

Harvard's interest underscores Taylor's academic standing. He's a top student who is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at Salem, an advanced track with a focus on independent thinking in a challenging curriculum.

IB students at Salem also need to choose between participation in the band or choir.

Taylor chose the choir.

"I think he got extra credit for singing today," Salem coach Montrey Wright after Taylor ran for 165 yards and a touchdown in leading Salem (5-0) to a 40-13 victory over previously undefeated Pennsville in a West Jersey Football League Classic Division game.

Taylor has 848 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 106 carries this season. Beyond the numbers, his tenacious running style sets the tone for the Rams.

"He runs with attitude," Wright said. "He's like a man among boys."

Pennsville coach Ryan Wood raves about Taylor's physical approach.

"He runs hard," Wood said. "He doesn't go down. You better get a lot of hats on him."

Off the field, Taylor is a top student with a strong interest in science - "I love learning about the stars," he says - as well as music.

Taylor said he's been focused on academics since grade school.

"My parents taught me never to settle for anything less than my best," Taylor said. "I know how important the academic side is."

Taylor said his favorite subject this semester is chemistry. He said he embraces the challenges of the IB curriculum.

"You learn so many different things from an international perspective," Taylor said.

Taylor said he spends some of his time "researching colleges" as he prepares to make a decision on his future. Although he's intrigued by offers from major programs such as Rutgers and Temple, Taylor knows that Harvard representing an interesting opportunity.

"I visited [Harvard] in the summer and they were so warm and welcoming," Taylor said. "I know that going there would go a long way for my future after football.

"To graduate from Harvard, that would mean a lot for my career."

panastasia@phillynews.com

@PhilAnastasia

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Cherry Hill East senior offensive lineman John Lass has picked up an offer from Dartmouth.

Bridgeton junior wide receiver/defensive back Markquese Bell has an offer from Michigan as well as Boston College, Maryland, North Carolina Rutgers and Temple.

Camden Catholic senior all-purpose Jamal Parker lists Towson and Kent State as "my two favorites" among his scholarship offers. Parker said he was likely to wait until after the season to make a choice.

Cedar Creek junior all-purpose Bo Melton has an offer from Old Dominion.

Woodrow Wilson junior defensive back Edwin Lopez has an offer from Temple.

- Phil Anastasia

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