Entering the Green Phase with Gateway's Jacques Taylor
SOURCE: Jacques Taylor (TWITTER, @Lil_jt2)
Check out Jacques Taylor: Jacques will be a senior in the fall at Gateway High School as he plays on the school's football team. He currently plays both defensive end and offensive tackle. The 2x WPIAL football champion was named 1st Team All-Conference Offensive Tackle in 2019. Saint Francis University, Long Island University, University of New Hampshire, and Notre Dame College are the schools that have offered Taylor. Jacques, Derrick Davis, Shane Thrift, Chamor Price, Jayson Jenkins, and Diego Bledsoe are some of the players (that have the ability to play at the Division I level) on Gateway's football team that will be seniors in the fall that look to repeat as WPIAL 5A football champions in 2020.
Questions & Answers:
What have you been doing during this COVID-19 crisis?
Jacques Taylor: "As of late, I’ve been working out every day lifting. Then shortly afterward, I've been going up to the field by my house and doing footwork drills to keep me moving around and light on my feet."
What do you think you have learned the most about yourself during the stay-at-home order and this time of quarantine?
JT: "I've learned how bad I am at playing video games and sitting at the house not being able to go somewhere and hang out with friends."
Just this past season WPIAL & PIAA football season, 2019, you won your second WPIAL football championship on Gateway's football team. How did you feel after winning that 2nd championship?
JT: "Obviously winning the WPIAL championship is a great achievement, but we ultimately want to win a state title."
What do you think your team needs to do to repeat as WPIAL champions in 2020?
JT: "We need to work harder then everyone else. We are going to have a target on our back so we have to be able to step up to whatever challenges that come in front of us."
So, what's it like playing for head coach Don Holl?
JT: "It’s awesome, Coach Holl doesn’t believe in little things; so, everything is big and has a purpose or meaning to us doing it. You love him when you’re winning games and you dislike him when he’s making you run gasers. But overall, I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else."
The players on your football team from the Class of 2021 are pretty recognizable. Your teammates, Shane Thrift, Chamor Price, Derrick Davis Jr., Jayson Jenkins, Diego Bledsoe are highly recognized and are getting recruited by Division 1 schools. Then, there is you as people have considered you one of the best lineman in the WPIAL Class of 2021. What do you think this says about the football players from your graduating class on your team?
JT: "It proves that our hard work starting in the classroom to the weight room, and on the field has paid off. We all collectively put a lot of time in and I’m glad it’s paying off for all of us."
Is there any type of tradition that your football team does before a game, after a game, or even during practice?
JT: "Before every game we turn the lights off in the locker room and blast music but I’m pretty sure every team in the country does that. We also have an oath we say in the locker room after every win."
If you had to choose another WPIAL football player from another school to play at Gateway next year, who would you choose? And, why?
JT: "I think I’m gonna stick with guys I have here at Gateway on this one. I mean don’t get me wrong anyone who comes that could help us win and reach our goal would be great. The only downside is it takes a while for them to learn a whole new system, develop chemistry and overall just adjust to the team."
I have to ask you, who is your favorite NFL player?
JT: "Khalil Mack (OLB, Chicago Bears), he has a crazy pass rush and is one of those hybrid Defensive Line/Linebackers. Overall, he is just a great player."
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
JT: "I can cook and I am a decent photographer."
Brentaro Yamane: bkyamane@gmail.com and Twitter/Instagram @BYHilton13