St. Joseph 2017 DE Jonathan Taylor has been getting more looks from college programs. We talked schools he’s been in touch with, how he demonstrates leadership and his underrated teammates.

You can find Jonathan on Twitter @JTaylor__3.

Jonathan Taylor

Defensive End
St. Joseph
Westchester, IL

Ht: 6’5″
Wt: 205 lbs
Class: 2017

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: You guys finished very well this year at 7-3, but fell to a tough St. Bede team in the playoffs. Now that your season is over, what are you going to do to take your game to the next level this offseason?

JT: After resting a while I’ve prepared myself mentally and physically to get my body back into my lifting routine. I’m starting to get back in the weight room 5 days a week and 1 day on the weekend of cardio and agility training with my old track coach. My main focus this offseason is becoming faster, stronger and elevating my technique and skills so that I’m ready for the college level.

LPI: You currently do not have any offers, but definitely have the ability to play college ball. What skill set can you bring to the table for a college football program?

JT: Even though I have yet to receive a college offer I know my time will come. I personally believe that I can bring a lot to a college football program such as my ability to react to plays and understand how to break plays down in a quick manner. Also I have the physicality to cause big hits and force fumbles. Lastly I have the frame and mentality to become a devastating weapon anywhere on the field.

LPI: Where have you visited recently and what schools have you been in touch with?

JT: I recently have been on a game day visit to Western Illinois on November 5th. Some schools that have been in contact with me are Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University, and Benedictine University.

LPI: Do you consider yourself a leader? If so, how do you demonstrate leadership on or off the field?

JT: Yes I consider myself a leader on and off the field. I’m not one of those leaders that talks a lot or gives speeches. I am more of a quite leader I show my leadership in actions and not many words. For example, during the season if a teammate made a mistake I wouldn’t yell or give them crap about their mistake, I would just tell them they’re better than that and that I need them to have my back. Also I lead by example by making big plays which would give the team some comfort and make them want to surpass their limits and show each other what we could do.

LPI: Tell me about some of your teammates that can play at the next level, but are getting overlooked by college coaches.

JT: There’s a lot of guys on the team that I know could play at the next level but are getting overlooked. One of those guys is Donovan Lee who played Wide Receiver. His footwork and hand eye coordination is amazing and defensive backs respected his speed and crisp routes. Another guy is Isaiah Davis who played quarterback for us. Isaiah played strong, he wasn’t afraid to throw the ball down field or take a hit. He has good vision and can find openings to scramble out of the pocket and make plays. Guylon Moore who played linebacker and running back. He runs strong and can make plays from nothing. He is just a hard guy to take down when he gets the ball. On the defensive side, we worked like yin and yang he always had my back and would come up with big hits. These guys I know will work hard and can make a difference in the college world.