Jarek Taylor is currently a 15-year-old, two-sport athlete, sophomore at Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama. Despite Taylor’s low ranking in seniority, he does have a superior ranking in popularity as he is one of the “Big Men” on campus. If you go to Bob Jones and do not him personally, you have either heard his name before or seen him in action under the bright lights on Friday nights or on the track. 

Taylor loves the sport of track and loves running. He has compiled a résumé that most high school seniors are vying to achieve.  Here are some of his accomplishments:

2011 100m Dash AAU All-American
2011 200m Dash AAU All-American
2011 100m Dash USATF (USA Track & Field) All-American
2011 200m Dash USATF All-American
2012 AAU All-American
2012 USATF All-American
Region 8 USATF 200m Dash Winner at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University)

Both local and pro stars have motivated Taylor’s success. “Nick Beavers (former Bob Jones’ football and track star who has continued his success at West Point Military Academy) is big motivation in my life. He has guided me in everything from school to sports to girls and whatever else the real world has to offer. In terms of work ethic, Ray Lewis (former 2-time Super Bowl Champion linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens) is a key motivator.

Nevertheless, Taylor does have a life outside of sports.

“When I’m not playing sports, I like to swim (which is a sport) or most times, doodle. I like drawing famous people. It is a relaxing hobby. Also, I like to watch my favorite movie Forrest Gump.”

Jarek Taylor is the protégé of his own making. Is he the next Bo Jackson? Who knows?  This guy never stops working. He strives to be the best not only in his high school career but also in college and maybe his career in the Olympics.

“Another competitor at a rival school plays the same sports as me & I say to myself is he working harder than me in the weight room, class room, and in the world when it comes to making decisions? Giving up is never an option in my mind.”

You can find some of Taylor’s highlights on youtube.com. Just type in “Jarek Taylor.”

To view this story in its entirety, visit Nkechi’s blog.