Jonathan Taylor of Salem signs with Wisconsin on National Signing Day

SALEM -- Even though he made a verbal commitment back in November, Jonathan Taylor said the anxiety never really went away until it became official.

Taylor, Salem's bulldozing tailback who also who also won the NJSIAA Meet of Champions 100-meter dash title last spring, officially signed a letter of intent with Wisconsin on Wednesday, when football recruits across the county finalized their commitments on National Signing Day.

Salem first committed to the Badgers on Nov. 1 after de-committing from Rutgers.

“It’s a big relief knowing that you make that next step and you’re going into that next phase of your career,” Taylor said. “It’s a great feeling knowing that all of your work has paid off. It’s great to give the people of Salem something positive to look at, and this was a great year. As I was writing my name and this was about to happen, and when I became officially a Badger, I knew things can only get better.”

Salem coach Montrey Wright said the signing was a tremendous moment for the entire Salem program.

“This was pretty exciting today, not just for Jon, but the whole coaching staff that has worked with him,” Wright said. “It’s pretty big to have a kid from such a small school sign a national letter of intent to such a prestigious school like Wisconsin.

“It was truly a blessing to see Jon do this. He loves Wisconsin. He originally committed to Rutgers but felt Madison was like home to him.”

Wright said Taylor felt right at home right away at his new destination.

“The football program is like a family atmosphere there at Wisconsin and that they really take care of their athletes,” Wright said. “He’s projected to be a running back at Wisconsin. For me personally, this is special because I’ve known Jon since he was about 7. I’ve watched him grow into the young man that he is.

“I’m extremely excited, because Jon’s also the first player I’ve had that’s signed to a major college. It’s a blessing to see a kid that works extremely hard get what he deserves. This is something I’ll never forget. It’s an honor to see all of the hard work turn into something. I know he’ll do great at Wisconsin.”

Taylor is coming off a record-breaking season as a senior, eclipsing the South Jersey season rushing record with 2,815 yards, averaging 234.6 yards a game while scoring 37 touchdowns (35 rushing). Coincidentally, the rushing record he broke belonged to Glassboro’s Corey Clement, who rushed for 2,510 yards in 2011 and becomes Taylor’s teammate at Wisconsin.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound back finished his high school career with 4,642 yards rushing and 49 touchdowns. He had two games in which he rushed for over 300 yards, with 344 yards and three TDs against Burlington City on Sept. 17, then 368 and five TDs against Woodbury on Nov. 19.

Against defenses solely committed to stopping him, Taylor still rushed for 200 yards or more in eight of Salem’s 12 games last season.

He is eager to start the next phase of his career and life.

“I graduate in June, but I will leave for Wisconsin right after,” Taylor said. “I can’t wait to begin. Giving back also means I have to keep pushing. I’m still going to run track this spring. I plan on defending my (100 meters, which he won last spring in 10.61 seconds). It’s a new chapter in my life and I can’t wait to get started.”

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