Hidden Gem in South Bend

South Bend St. Joseph's (Ind.) running back Jordan Taylor has carried his team to a 12-2 record and a berth in the Indiana class 3-A state title game. In his fourth year playing on the varsity squad, Taylor has rushed for 2373 yards and 25 touchdowns.

However, Taylor says his recruitment has been slow up until this year.

"I have been hearing from Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Notre Dame," Taylor said.

"I have been to Indiana a few times and I have been to Western Michigan. After the season, I plan on going to Illinois and Northwestern.

Taylor says he has no official visits lined up, and has yet to receive a scholarship offer. There is one school in particular he would love to hear from.

"Florida State, I have always been a big fan," Taylor said. "I like their war chant. My brother always liked them growing up, so I grew up watching them a lot."

St. Joseph's High School is located across the street from the University of Notre Dame. Taylor made an unofficial visit to check out the Irish take on Duke last weekend. Although Taylor does not expect anything to materialize with his recruitment by Notre Dame, he has had the opportunity to play for a former Irish running back, Reggie Brooks, an assistant coach at St. Joseph's.

"It is great, he has a lot of knowledge about the game, not only about the running back spot, but with other positions, too," he said.

"When I come to the sideline, he can tell us what is going on, what the linebackers are doing, and what the defense is trying to do. He has taught me the importance of pass blocking. I never thought that was an important part of being a running back. He has taught me a lot of moves as well, how to use a stiff arm, and how to improve my vision."

At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Taylor brings plenty of size to the running back position.

"I am more of a power back," he said. "I can run with finesse if I need to, it all depends on the situation. I would like to think of myself as a versatile back."

Taylor will lead his team into the RCA Dome on Saturday to take on Indianapolis Bishop Chatard in the class 3A state title game.

"We set our goals at the beginning of the year, to go to state," he said. "We worked hard in the off-season, and during the season. We have always talked about Nov. 24(the date of the state title game)."