Floyd Gordon is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Queen Creek for AZPreps365.com

The double-edged sword that is Tait Reynolds, quarterback for the Queen Creek,  is committed to play both division one football and baseball at Clemson University as a junior.

He is currently leading his team to a 6-1 record averaging 183.5 yards per game with a 72% completion percentage. The young man embodies the term “athlete” since he always makes sure to put in the hours for both sports.

“It’s hard, it’s tough for sure, when it comes to class I have to go before and after school," Reynolds said. "Then I have practice and I hit everyday (referring to baseball). It’s a lot of sacrifice, you don’t have to hangout with your friends everyday. I just love to get after it!”

He is described by his peers and coaches as always trying to become a better version of himself whether that is in sports or in life. A person who has higher expectations for himself and refuses to settle for complacency. It only reflects his commitment to his success as an individual and an athlete.

“He sets a high standard for himself and he expects the people around him to work to that level. He hates losing, and gets annoyed with guys that don’t work to his standard,” said Queen Creek offensive coordinator Scott Howard. 

The phrase going “through the motions” doesn’t exist in the mind of Reynolds. There is a never ending cycle in Reynolds wanting to become better at everything he does. 

“He works hard, he is always looking for something to do. I get a little tired of it to be honest with you sometimes. It annoys you a little bit but he's always looking to get better and do something to improve his game,” said his father Paul, who played linebacker at Arizona State.

The people around Reynolds, who originally commited to play baseball at ASU before football schools started showing interest, described him as a person who is competitive, hardworking, and dedicated. A person who leads by example to the younger kids they may be inspired by his character and accomplishments. 

“Don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do. People say stuff all the time. Everyone’s got the freedom of speech, but talk is cheap, just go to work,” said Reynolds.

Having the opportunity to play two sports at the next level is far from ordinary. Yet Reynolds has always seen this for himself. He can never choose between the two. It has always been routine to do both.  

“Football season, I’m choosing football, but when it’s baseball season I’m choosing baseball,” said Reynolds.

But where does this love for playing both sports and athletics come from?

“He’s better than I am. In college I played college baseball and football so he’s taking on that same thing a little bit but at a higher level than me. He kind of models it after that and wants to outdo his dad,” said Paul.

With all of this recognition, can sometimes come with a lot of added stress of a young athlete like Reynolds. Yet his his unwavering faith to Christ is what keeps him locked in a motivated to do better. 

“I keep my faith, praying and asking for that comfort and guidance. I don’t really worry about anything, you can either pray or worry but you can't do both. That keeps me focused,” said Reynolds. 

The Clemson University commit living up to the standard he sets for himself and surpassing the description given by the people around him. Competitive, dedicated, and hardworking.