Freshman Taj Malave-Neely might be new to South Lakes, but he’s not new to football.

With six years in Malave-Neely earned his spot on the freshmen football team. Not only does Taj play football, he makes his own music and enjoys basketball too.

One thing that Taj made very clear to us is that no matter what the activity, his education and school work comes first.

“No matter what I do, I put school as my main priority,” Malave-Neely said.

Taj has decided to push himself to the limit in all he does and conquer the world.

“I inspire myself.”

The fact that his older brother is also on a South Lakes football team doesn’t affect Taj at all.

“I just want to be cool with all the coaches as well.” Malave-Neely said.

As we change topics we switched from Taj’s sport talents to his music.

Malave-Neely has been writing his own music since he was 12 but just recently started recording it.

“I’m trying something new, so I’m in chorus.”

Rapping is playing his strengths and he said he wanted to do new things regarding his music.

“I mainly record only hip-hop and rap music. My uncle influenced me to try recording music and I’ve liked doing it since then”

Music is strictly a hobby and he told our reporter that he was real focused on his school work.

Malave-Neely let us know that growing into who he is today wasn’t an easy job but he knew by most of his major surroundings that he had a future to pursue.

Letting us know that if he had to choose his most important things in life his family and future is the answer with no question or hesitation.