Ja’Sir Taylor was born and raised on the East Coast in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He played his prep ball at Brick Township High School where he earned all-conference honors as a senior in 2016 as a two-way player.
After graduation, Taylor headed south to play for Wake Forest where he earned two starts as a true freshman against Syracuwe and North Carolina State. He ended his first season on campus with 27 total tackles and five pass breakups.
After another year playing in a rotational role (26 tackles, six pass breakups), Taylor broke out for the first time as a junior in 2019 with his first of three seasons with multiple interceptions (30 tackles, one sack, four pass breakups, forced fumble).