Back in mid-June, Newton senior safety Jaison Taylor made a decision that, in his eyes, was more than just about football.

Taylor committed to play for the Naval Academy.

“One day I just woke up and said that I want to be different,” Taylor said at the time of his commitment. “I want to go fight for my country.”

He said he was inspired by his dad, Edgar, who, himself, served in the Navy. He’s the second Newton Ram to pledge his services to one of our nation’s military schools. Robert Black, IV signed a letter of intent to Air Force this past February during National Signing Day.

Taylor, a 6-foot, 180 pound defensive back, had close to a dozen offers at the time of his commitment – including one from Army. He carries a 3.4 grade point average and says he has dreams of being an orthopedic surgeon after football.

He acknowledges that he’s got “a lot of career options” at his disposal, which is why his commitment to Navy was one that made sense for him holistically speaking.

“Coach (Terrance) Banks said to make a 40-year decision with my college choice, instead of just a four-year decision,” Taylor said. “I believe I can get that at Navy. They play good football and have a really strong brotherhood. I want to be a part of that, serve my country and win some football games as a bonus.”