Video: Be The Readiest presented by Holiday Inn ExpressFormer NFL sackmaster Jason Taylor and Florida power St. Thomas Aquinas.St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is one of the storied programs in all of high school football with 10 state championships since 1992 and seven other title game appearances over roughly the same span.
But Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor – an assistant at Aquinas – isn't concerned with that history. He's hoping to prepare the South Florida powerhouse to win its
next state championship.
"There's a process that you have to fall in love with," Taylor said of getting his ream ready.
Under head coach Roger Harriott, Taylor is imparting his experience on the defensive side for a program known for tough, physical football.
"I work a lot with Coach Taylor and the rush linebacker-type position and he's the guy for that," Aquinas junior Derek Wingo said. "Rushing the passer and getting after the quarterback, that's what Coach Taylor does and is known for."
A native of Pennsylvania, Taylor joined the coaching staff at Aquinas prior to the 2017 season. The Raiders have gone 25-5 in the two seasons that followed with a trip to the Class 7A semifinals in 2017 and championship game in 2018.
Taylor played 13 seasons in the NFL with Miami, Washington and the New York Jets. He finished among the Top 10 in career sacks with 139.5 and was selected to the Pro Bowl six times.
