At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Jahki Coates looks more like a running back, tight end or linebacker than a quarterback.
And the Salem High School junior does line up on the defensive line at times to rush the quarterback.
But the speed and physicality with which he runs and the rocket-launcher attached to his right shoulder - not to mention leadership skills - made the Salem coaches believe Coates was their franchise signal-caller even before he started his first game at the position as a freshman.
On Sunday, Coates ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns and also threw for a pair of scores in leading the Rams to the NJSIAA Rothman Orthopaedics South/Central Group 1 regional championship with a 34-8 victory over Woodbury.
Coates ran for 29 yards on the first play of the game and added another 10-yard rumble on the possession as Jessiah Gildersleeve capped the drive with a 15-yard run. On the ensuing drive, facing third-and-goal from the 17, Coates fired a laser into the right corner for a TD pass to Anthony Selby.
In a game between two teams which came in with stellar defenses, the two early scores loomed large and the Thundering Herd never really recovered.
Woodbury got it to 14-8 with a punt return for a touchdown, but Coates used a nifty spin move to gain 27 yards on the next drive and threw his second touchdown, an 18-yarder to Ramaji Bundy as Salem pulled away for good.
“Definitely (one of the best games he’s played),” said Salem coach Montrey Wright. “He stepped up as a leader for us. We’re proud of Jahki, he’s a great player. Mentally he got the guys in tune. That was important.
“Freshman year we all envisioned being in this type of game with him leading us there. With him working all offseason, we prepared him for this big stage to see what he could do. This is the result. We’re champions.”
Wright’s mother passed away due to COVID after the Rams’ first game of the season. Coates decided he needed to step up and take some of the responsibility of leading off his grieving coach.
“Part of helping my team is me maturing,” said Coates. “Growing up and being one of the only three-year starters in the program, I took the responsibility to take control of the game. Coach Wright, he went through a lot so I had to take responsibility over the team and be a leader just like him. Thank God they trusted me to lead them to two championships. I like this feeling, I want more.”
Wright said he noticed and appreciated Coates stepping up to help lead the Rams this year as they went on to finish 11-2.
“To have a teenager have that mentality and actually come out and apply it to the game of football, it’s huge,” said Wright. “He’s really cerebral. He knew what I was going through. He took the pressure off me all year. I love him for that.”
For the season, Coates threw for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also rushed for a team-leading 729 yards and 13 scores.
“I love my quarterback,” said Salem linebacker and fellow junior Amare Smith, who totaled three sacks Sunday to give him 19 on the season. “He’s a little cocky sometimes, but I love him to death, love his work ethic.”
Coates said he has never been anything but a quarterback growing up, and while he has had some coaches along the way suggest he switch positions he knows he is where he should be.
“I started throwing a football at two, I started padded football at four,” said Coates. “I’ve heard it from coaches, move me to linebacker or running back, but I’m going to continue to play the position I love. If that means I have to lose weight, I’ll lose it. I’ll do whatever it takes to play my position.”
Coates has an FBS offer to play quarterback for Temple and other colleges are in contact and viewing his film. He admitted looking around at SHI Stadium on Saturday night and thinking of the possibilities.
“Last night, we came to see the Woodrow Wilson vs. Cedar Creek game, and the feeling was amazing,” said Coates. “Playing in a college stadium, I took advantage of my opportunity. if there were coaches out here, I hope they saw what I can do on a big platform.”
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