Chatham Central Athlete Uses Extra Effort To Become Team Leader

On the football field, Taylor rushed for over 1,000 yards last season while defensively leading the team in tackles. He is doing the same things so far this season. He is a gutty player who has everyone's respect.

"I just want to work my hardest so I don't let my team down," Taylor says. "I just want to be a leader on the field."

Chatham Central football coach Tim Tally says Taylor is a team-oriented person.

"He can do just about anything, and he can play anywhere you put him. He never wants to be taken from the field," he says. "All he talks about is his team. You never hear him mention anything about the rushing yards that he has."

Taylor, who is also vice-president of the student body, is an A student who is nominated for the Morehead Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"Sports are big, but it is going to be hard for me to play football at the next level," he says. "It is something that I am going to have to work at, but my books will come first and it is really going to take me where I need to be in life."

Teacher Sherry Andrews says Taylor is the type of young man who she would like her child to grow up to be.

"He listens. He quickly adapts to any situation. He is kind to everyone," she says. "I have never seen him even show ill will towards anyone. He is always welcomed by his peers."

Eric Taylor is the winner of this week's Extra Effort Award. Tom Suiter's Extra Effort award airs Wednesdays during WRAL's 6:00 News.

Do you have a nomination for the Extra Effort Award?Mail us your suggestions.