Should Rutgers worry about RB commit Jonathan Taylor's Wisconsin official visit?

The same day Salem (N.J.) running back Jonathan Taylor committed to Rutgers, he also proved to the world how unique of an athlete he is, while competing at the Opening N.J. Regional.

A three-star recruit, Taylor attained the fifth-best SPARQ score out of 500 athletes at the event (110.43) after generating a 4.42-second laser-timed 40-yard dash, a 4.3-second 20-yard shuttle, a 34.4-inch vertical leap and 35-foot power ball throw, all while measuring 5-11, 208 pounds.

And since that time, Taylor has grown into a 220-pounder still encompassing that same explosion, and a number of school have tried to flip him.

But Saturday presents the biggest challenge for Rutgers to date as Taylor will begin his official visit to eighth-ranked Wisconsin -- the team viewed as RU's greatest threat -- as they host the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

Hence, NJ.com caught up with Salem head coach Montrey Wright for his thoughts on his biggest star's upcoming official visit.

But should Rutgers be worried?

"I don't feel like it's one of those things," Wright told NJ.com. "It's just a small town kid who wants to go out and see things. And him being a small town kid going out and seeing colleges, that's important based on his decision and what he has going on for his future. Because not every kid in our city gets opportunities, gets the chance to get out and see what's outside of our city.

"So when they get a chance, it's imperative that they take it and run with it and see what's out there and just get a feel for what's going on."

However, Wright does admit Wisconsin has come on strong.

"They are prying down pretty hard," he said. "And not just them. There are a few other schools that are coming pretty hard at Jonathan right now, reaching out, telling him he's the top guy on their list. So it's been pretty interesting."

But which other teams have been on his tail as of late?

"Virginia Tech, Boston College, Wisconsin obviously," he said. "And I know Nebraska recently reached out and Iowa, as well."

And will Taylor be taking official visits to any of these schools, as well?

"It's a possibility. He hasn't made that decision yet. His thing is he just wants to focus on the season right now because he wants to make history as far as winning a group one championship is concerned. Thats just been his main concern which is pretty unselfish on his behalf.

"So he hasn't really thought about that yet. But I'm pretty sure when it comes down to it, he'll probably have one or two more. But we don't really have an answer for that, right now."

With Taylor flying somewhat under the radar for the past few months, fans had gotten antsy about Taylor's Rutgers commitment level. But Wright says Taylor is as tight with the staff as ever.

"He talks to the Rutgers coaches all the time," said Wright. "In fact, he talked to them a couple days ago. They just wanted to see how he was doing and schedule an official visit with them, and just checking up, making sure everything is alright with him.

"So they still have a great relationship and I doubt that will change because Ash and his staff are real good at what they do and they're well-respected."

And although obviously not thrilled about Taylor's Wisconsin visit, the Rutgers staff has been supportive and understanding.

"It kind of like raised eyebrows a little bit as far as visits and things like that," said Wright. "But it's just one of those things where I think Jonathan is being honest and open. He said I just want to go out and see what's out here while I have the opportunity because once the door is closed and I make my decision, I'll never have this opportunity again.

"And they understand that coming from a teenager that hasn't really experienced being outside of New Jersey, really. So him getting that experience, it could be pretty important for him. And they understood, it was like a mutual understanding about it."

But with Rutgers losing to Michigan 78-0 at home, did that impact Taylor's feelings about his hometown school?

"Honestly, I don't think that really altered any opinion that he has of Rutgers at all because he knows that he can be a guy to come in there with the 17 class and light it up," said Wright. "He was pretty motivated by that, actually. So I mean, that just helped him like, yo, I know what we've got to do when we get there. So that just kind of motivated him even more to get to work."

And that's good news for Rutgers as Taylor has shown just how explosive he can be throughout the first half of the 2016 season.

"He's looking phenomenal, man. The first game this season, we had like nine touchdowns called back as well as 500-plus yards. So, I mean, you add that stuff without the penalties and things like that going on and he has like 18 touchdowns and 1300 yards in four weeks," Wright said. "So that's just huge for us.

"But the good thing is that he just keeps going and he does what's right for the team, staying focused and not letting things frustrate him or get in between what he does. It's impressive some of the things he's doing this year. We're really blessed to have him back here doing what he does."

LISTEN: Episode 4 of NJ.com's Rutgers Football podcast

Rebuilding Rutgers: From The Ashes takes you inside the new football regime. This episode is about Jim Harbaugh invading N.J. and Chris Ash fighting back.

Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.

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