Tyler Floyd is a sophomore at Vinita, competing on the Hornets football and baseball teams. Floyd started at the safety position on defense and served as the team’s backup running back in 2020 where he rushed five times for more than 100 yards against Nowata in the second game of the season. The Hornets finished 7-3 in Class 3A, making it to the second round of the playoffs after missing the postseason the year before.

Floyd was coached by new head coach Matt Williams, who is a Vinita graduate and is coaching on the same field named after his father, L.P. Williams.

“I look up to Matt because he’s more laid back and knows how and when to get after us,” Floyd said. “He seems to care about us, and he shows that we’re more of a brotherhood and family instead of individuals.”

Floyd is also coached by his dad, Bobby, and plays alongside his twin brother Tanner, who plays linebacker and wide receiver.

“My dad has always been my coach,” Floyd said. “He always makes sure we do the right things and be a good person in society. He is a huge mentor toward us and makes us strive to do better.”

Floyd plays in the outfield for his favorite sport, baseball, where he also leads his team with the highest on-base percentage. 

Upon graduation, Floyd plans to major in engineering and work toward a master’s degree in business. He is interested in working with technology and also mentioned the Air Force as an option once he graduates.

“Ever since I got introduced to a computer, I fell in love and was fascinated with how it works,” Floyd said. “I’ve always wanted to serve and honor my country because my grandfather and my uncle served in Vietnam.”