Brick Township Jersey guy on his way to the NFL

Everyone loves a hometown hero. And everyone especially loves when that hometown hero is a football player because, let’s face it, we are football obsessed in this country. It’s as if it’s a religion. If some local man makes big and it has to do with the NFL, we all get excited about it

The name Ja’Sir Taylor has been on peoples' lips for a long time here in the state and apparently across the country, too. It’s as if we were just counting the minutes till he put on his first NFL uniform.

Growing up playing pop warner football in Asbury Park and Neptune when he was 6 and 7 years old, it seems like Ja’Sir was also counting the minutes and it’s what he’s been working for since he was a little boy.

The former Brick Township High School standout was selected in the sixth round – 214th overall – of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. His name was called on the third and final day of the 87th annual Draft in late April.

He says that of all the teams that buzzed around him, the Green Bay Packers, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Giants and the New York Jets he had a feeling that it would be the Chargers who would end up drafting him.

During a “top 30 visit,” a trip to visit the team where you get to try out the experience of playing there and kind of “kick the tires“ to see if it’s a good fit, he got the feeling it was right.

Drafted as a cornerback, Taylor starred at Wake Forest University in the position.

Taylor especially loved competing at the Chargers rookie minicamp, its first look at its rookie class, for two days during the middle of May. He also has already participated in the Chargers’ Organized Team Activities or “OTAs.” These are voluntary workout activities during the club’s nine-week official offseason workout program where players get to show what they’re made of. Next, he’s off to a two-day mandatory minicamp later in before the summer ends and training begins.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: