“Growing up, everything was a competition around our house,” Tanner said. “I was always getting pushed around and beat up by them. They made me the athlete and competitor I am today.”
While soccer was his first love, football became his life as he entered high school.
"Soccer was my thing growing up," he said. "I was playing Select every weekend. My dad taught me the ropes and what it takes to play at a high level and any sport. Soccer really helped me with foot work, like when I'm in the hole and being able to have quick feet to get into open space."
Now standing at 6 feet tall, West earned a first-team all-district selection for the Jordan Warriors, who made history in 2024. With Michigan signee Andrew Marsh now on campus in Ann Arbor, it’s West’s turn to lead.
“I just had a meeting with my coaches about my role this year,” he said. “I’m going to be touching the ball a lot more and providing leadership for this team. I want to help out the younger guys, just like Andrew did for me.
“I’m working a lot on change of direction to make that last defender miss as a running back, and getting off the press at the line of scrimmage as a receiver. I've tried to pattern my game after Christian McCaffrey (49ers) and his versatility."
The 4.4 GPA student recently visited Kansas and Kansas State and has been in conversations with SMU, Tulsa, and Rice. The Academies and Ivy League schools have also offered.
“The recruiting process has been a huge learning experience,” he said. “Some days are better than others, but I love seeing the campuses and meeting the coaches. The process has been good for me, both in football and in life.”
West plays with a chip on his shoulder, a trait that stems from being the “little brother.”
“If I’m going against a big-name recruit, they’re going to get my best,” he said. “I feel like I’m better than them in every way when I line up. That’s just my mindset all the time. I’m a true competitor. That’s what drives me.”
