#GameChanger…even before taking the football field for the Putnam City Pirates, Taje McCoy strives to make every day better.  

“Being a game changer to me is someone who can lead people and just make a big impact on anything they do in life, McCoy said in a humble and confident voice. “I like to lead by example so I try to do everything as best as I can so my teammates and I can go in the right direction.” 

On the gridiron, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior defensive end continues to be a dominating force for the Pirates.

“His motor on the field is the reason Taje is one of the best edge rushers in the state,” replied head coach Carter Whitson. 

Already having drawn Division-I college football recruiting offers from seven schools including Oklahoma State, Baylor, Memphis and Iowa State among others, the impact of McCoy is much more than statistics according to Whitson.

“Taje is the ideal high school football player. Not only does he work harder that everyone else, he’s a great student who represents our program and our school the right way, both on and off the field,” emphasized Whitson. “Whoever steals him in recruiting will get a future star for a long time in their program.”

The true character of McCoy is a reflection of the impact of family members who continue to inspire his efforts.

“Character is what you do everyday, putting in extra work even when no one is watching,” said McCoy who defines his approach to every opportunity as being relentless, coachable and durable. “I would have to say my grandma and my brother that past away are my inspiration for success because I use them as motivation in everything I do.”

The energy and non-stop efforts of Taje McCoy have and will continue to make the Putnam City senior the “Talk of the Tailgate.”