Tre O’Guinn, a North Canyon High School varsity football player, is a versatile athlete. The senior, who has dominated at both linebacker and strong safety, ranks second in the state of Arizona and was ranked 11th in the nation for tackles with total of 86 in five games, according to MaxPreps.

But things didn’t always come easy for O’Guinn.

“I used to get bullied. When I was younger, one of my coaches told me I’d never make varsity,” O’Guinn said.

After hearing this, O’Guinn only took the game of football more seriously and pushed himself to become more successful in the sport.

Within three years of playing varsity football, O’Guinn has had more than 285 solo tackles and is averaging 13.4 tackles a game. O’Guinn has a close relationship with his teammates and coaches, who all speak highly of him as an athlete and as a person. Joseph Hoffman, a senior running back for the Rattlers and one of O’Guinn’s closest friends, talked about their friendship and how playing on the field together helps them motivate each other.

“I consider him like a brother; he's family to me,” Hoffman said. “We both share the same dreams of playing at that next level. I push him and he pushes me, too.”

O'Guinn credits his entire family for where he is today. His sister for being there when he needs someone to talk to. His father for always pushing him to do his best and to strive for greatness. His mom for never failing to give him motivational pep talks and humbling advice. And his grandma, as well as his late grandma, for supporting him at every game on Friday night without fail.

“Every week, all they talk about is Friday night lights,” O’Guinn said. “My grandma drives 45 minutes to come watch me play. She’s been to every high school game I’ve had. What are they going to do when I graduate?!”

His late grandmother, who passed away recently, is still close to O’Guinn’s heart. He keeps her name on all of his gloves and shoes.

“If you ever see me praying on the 50-yard line before the game, you’ll know it’s for her,” O’Guinn said.

His father, Michael O’Guinn, who played professional basketball and is the North Canyon varsity basketball coach, always reminds Tre to stay competitive and give 100 percent in everything he does.

“Adversity shapes you. You just have to push through it. He’s a good kid. He understands his journey and he’s working hard at it,” Michael O’Guinn said.

O’Guinn wears the No. 22. His uncle wore it in his football career. His father wore it in his basketball career. Now Tre continues to carry on the family legacy while wearing No. 22 on his back.

As far as college plans, O’Guinn took an unofficial visit to Arizona State this year and has an offer from Simpson College in Iowa. O’Guinn hopes other schools will offer him a place on their team, but continues to stay humble about the process of it.

“Just keep working, and eventually someone will notice it.”