Salem’s Jahki Coates might not look like a QB, but he’s right man for the job

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem catches a pass for a touchdown behind Aiden Crumlish (22) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem celebrates with the trophy after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem catches a touchdown pass in front of Jordon Smith (21) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Salem celebrates with the trophy after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem celebrates as head coach Montrey Wright is congratulated by NJSIAA assistant director Derryk Sellers after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem races for the end zone for the first touchdown of the game during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) and Ben Pittman (54) of Salem celebrate the first touchdown of the game by Gildersleeve during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem head coach Montrey Wright holds up the trophy in celebration after the Rams won the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem bowls over Jayden Johnson (3) of Woodbury on the first series of the game during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Cameron Smith (5) of Salem tries catching a pass in the end zone as Jabron Solomon (11) of Woodbury defends during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem's Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) and Jasir Thompson (33) celebrate with the trophy after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahiem Bernhardt (51) of Salem sacks Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Cameron Smith (5) of Salem tries to catch a pass in the end zone as the ball slips through his hands as Jabron Solomon (11) of Woodbury defends during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem has room to run during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem holds off a tackle from Jayden Johnson (3) of Woodbury for the first touchdown of the game during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jabron Solomon (11) of Woodbury catches a pass against Emannuel Lane (9) of Salem but was called for offensive pass interference during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Amare Smith (11) of Salem tries to knock down a pass from Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem catches a pass for a touchdown against Aiden Crumlish (22) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem's Jahki Coates (10) celebrates with Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) after a touchdown by Gildersleeve during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem runs through the line and past Nazir Smith (92) of Woodbury for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem head coach Montrey Wright celebrates after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem eyes up the trophy as NJSIAA assistant director Derryk Sellers congratulates head coach Montrey Wright after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem celebrates after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem reacts after a long run in the third quarter during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem reacts after a first down run during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Nathan Wilson (12) of Salem reacts after kicking an extra point during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury throws a pass during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jabron Solomon (11) of Woodbury returns a kickoff during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury slips through a tackle from Emannuel Lane (9) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jasir Thompson (33) of Salem reacts after intercepting a pass from Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury throws a pass during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem looks toward the end zone as he carries the ball during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem carries the ball as he looks for running room during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem's Jasir Thompson (33) and Ramaji Bundy (4) react after an interception by Thomspon during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jabron Solomon (11) of Woodbury knocks away a pass from Anthony Selby (2) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Ramaji Bundy (4) of Salem looks for running room during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem looks to pass during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem's Jahki Coates (10) hands off to Ramaji Bundy (4) during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahiem Bernhardt (51) of Salem tries to knock down a pass from Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury runs by Emannuel Lane (9) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Amare Smith (11) of Salem sacks Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem carries the ball as he tries to break a tackle from Dahquan Richardson (50) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury heads up field during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem stiff-arms a Woodbury defender as he tries to score during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Nathan Wilson (12) of Salem attempts a field goal during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jasir Thompson (33) of Salem intercepts a pass and returns it against Dominic Abbatelli (7) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury has room to run during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Derron Moore (1) of Woodbury tries to block a punt from Nathan Wilson (12) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jabron Solomon (11) of Woodbury breaks up a pass intended for Anthony Selby (2) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem catches a touchdown pass in front of Jordon Smith (21) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem carries during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem awaits the snap during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Regional Championship football game between Woodbury and Salem at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem passes during the NJSIAA North, Group 5 Regional Championship football game between East Orange and Clifton at Rutgers' SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on 12/5/21.

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem tries to sack Bryan Johnson (10) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Ramaji Bundy (4) of Salem starts celebrating in the final minutes of the game with the Rams holding a commanding lead during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem races for the end zone during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury runs past Jayden Wright (53) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury tries to get past Cameron Smith (5) of Salem during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem head coach Montrey Wright celebrates with assistant coaches after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Woodbury's Bryan Johnson (10) hands off to Theodore Lockhart (9) during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem is wide eyed after bowling over Woodbury defenders during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jessiah Gildersleeve (1) of Salem runs through a hole as Anthony Selby (2) blocks Jordon Smith (21) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Jahki Coates (10) of Salem reacts after scoring a touchdown during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem's Anthony Selby (2) and Ramaji Bundy (4) celebrate a touchdown by Selby during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem's Nate Wilson (12) and Ramaji Bundy (4) celebrate after winning the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Anthony Selby (2) of Salem tries to intercept a pass intended for Anthony Martinez (4) of Woodbury during the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Salem head coach Montrey Wright shakes hands with Theodore Lockhart (9) of Woodbury after the Rams won the NJSIAA South, Group 1 football final between Salem and Woodbury at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

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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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