By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

When referring to Kingwood Christian defensive back Tyler Byrd, the term “best of the best” gets thrown around.

It’s for good reason, too. Byrd is the top-ranked tackler out of all sophomores in the country, according to MaxPreps.com, a national high school sports media outlet.

Out all of the sophomore high school football players in the country, none posted more total tackles than Byrd. His 184 total tackles placed him 16 ahead of the next closest sophomore, out of Texas. He’s also ranked 27^th out of all players in total tackles, regardless of class.

In recognition of his success, Byrd was invited to participate in the National Underclassmen Combines All-American Game, held Dec. 27-30 in Myrtle Beach. The game invites the Top 100 juniors, sophomores and freshmen from across the country to play in a game on the field, as well as learn about the collegiate recruiting process.

While quite the honor, the soft-spoken Byrd said he took the invitation in stride.

“I guess it feels pretty good,” he said. “I just like to play football. I don’t really think about that stuff.”

Those who coach Byrd, including his father Michael, said Tyler was more than ready for the challenge.
“I know with Tyler, he will be focused,” Michael Byrd said. “I’m just proud he works so hard. I don’t have to motivate him. “

Kingwood head coach Steve Birmingham echoed the sentiment.

“Tyler’s very quiet, but a great kid,” he said. “Does anything you ask. He doesn’t argue, does what he’s told.”

Birmingham said while Byrd wasn’t a very vocal player, he led by example.

“He’s so quiet,” he said. “You don’t know he’s there until he puts on a helmet and goes and knocks some guys around. I would say his effort definitely helped pull the defense together.”

In addition to the game in Myrtle Beach, Byrd was also asked to participate in a 7-on-7 combine in Duncanville, Texas in February.

In addition to his on the field accolades, he carries a 3.7 GPA and was selected to the National Senior Beta Club.

Tyler Byrd went on to say he thinking of the future, both on and off the field.
“I just want to go to college and play,” he said. “(I) just focus on trying.”