It’s 7 on 7. 

He’s on the line. His mind is clear. 

No. 7 is ready to do what he does best — run the route. 

What began as 7 on 7 with friends led to starting on the varsity football team. In his freshman year, wide receiver Tyler Hoke played on the Freshman A team and went on to start for varsity in his sophomore and junior year. Tyler started football as both a quarterback and a wide receiver, but decided to focus on wide receiver for his future.

“I’ve been [playing football] my whole life,” Tyler said. “It’s one of the first sports I ever got into, so I have a special place in my heart [for it] that just makes me happy. It’s one of the most important things in my life; it’s a part of who I am.” 

Tyler started playing flag football at 5 years old. His father coached multiple of his flag football teams before Tyler moved onto 7 on 7 games and then eventually middle school football. Tyler became the quarterback for the football team at Killian Middle School— it wasn’t something he tried out for, but something he said he was entrusted with. 

“The coach stuck me there because he knew I was a leader and he could trust me,” Tyler said. “He did that knowing that I was a wide receiver; he gave me a lot of trust.” 

Growing up, Tyler said he was influenced by his father, Brad Hoke, who has his own love for the sport. After coaching him when he was a kid, Brad now sits in the stands at all of Tyler’s games. 

“It’s been great to watch [him,]” Brad said. “Everything Tyler does, he does it with a kind and generous spirit. He goes all in on everything [and] leaves it all out there. It’s one of the things I admire about him: his dedication and how hard he works to pursue things; [it] shows in the results.” 

Through four games, Tyler leads district 5-6A in receiving yards, total points and total touchdowns. He received his first award, Player of the Game, at the football game against Lancaster on Sept. 13. Offensive coordinator Terrence Orr said what stands out about Tyler is his natural ability to make plays. 

“Some people have speed, some have strength, but he has a natural [ability] to make a play,” Orr said. “We saw that early in his freshman [year] and continue [to] see [it] now [in] his junior year. We gave him that opportunity this year, [and] I think that it’s only the beginning for him. We’re just seeing the beginning of what Tyler Hoke can really be.” 

Quarterback PJ Crayton has known Tyler since elementary school and played 7 on 7 with him. Crayton said that Tyler has always had the talent but has also continued to grow and keep up with everyone older than him. 

“He’s an amazing athlete,” Crayton said. “He can jump up and go get [the ball] in traffic. This past week, [against Lancaster,] he went over and got it over a defensive back that’s supposedly one of the top DBs in the state, and he just made it look easy. It’s huge when it comes to trust, knowing that I can throw him a ball and it’s his.” 

Hebron has had seven alumni who have made it to the NFL. Last year, Tyler had a total of 286 yards all season along with two touchdowns. So far this season, in just four games, Tyler has more than doubled his touchdowns with a total of five and increased his yards by 36% with 389 yards. Orr said he can see Tyler being one of the best athletes in Texas at this time next year therefore becoming one of those impactful players. 

“He’s not a big vocal leader [but] he [leads by example,]” Orr said. “He’s going to work hard in the weight room, he’s going to be on time, he’s going to show you better than tell you. He’s not going to make the same mistake twice. His consistent approach to the games, to practice [and] to ditch the detail — that’s how he’s a leader to our football program.” 

Even though Tyler is a multisport athlete, he focuses most on football, training for it all summer and in season. Brad said football has helped Tyler grow both on and off the field — helping him understand the importance of teamwork, respect, perseverance and hard work, and that he’s carried those values with him into every aspect of his life. 

“What has probably been more impactful is the off the field results,” Brad said. “He’s done well on the field; I am fortunate I get to see all the preparation that he puts into getting ready for football [like] training, working out and just working on his skills, but I’ve seen him grow and become such an incredible person off the field. So much of what he embodies has been reinforced by football; he’s a better person today because of the game.”

Tyler plans on continuing football to the next level for college. Though he has talked to some college coaches, he has yet to receive any official offers. But one thing he said he knows is that he wants to continue wearing the same number on his back, representing the same people, because that’s what the game is to him. 

“I chose No. 7 for my jersey number because it’s what I’ve worn my whole life,” Tyler said. “Since I was a kid, it’s always been my go-to number. I’m not just doing this for myself, I’m doing this for my whole team. Your team is your family; it’s just you and your family versus whoever’s on the other side of the ball and that prepares you to go to war for your brothers.”