Dekaney High School senior Tanook Hines didn’t discover his passion for competition under stadium lights or on a track’s final straightaway. It began unexpectedly, with a simple flyer handed to him by his brother back in middle school. The flyer advertised football tryouts—but it was the sound of runners on the nearby track that truly caught his attention. From that moment on, Hines was drawn to both sports, setting the course for a remarkable journey.
Today, that spark has taken him all the way to the University of Southern California, where Hines—a four-star wide receiver and blazing-fast sprinter at Dekaney—is making his mark as one of the most electric athletes in his class.
Affectionately nicknamed “Nu Nu,” Hines has posted some of the fastest high school track times in the country this season—clocking a scorching 10.07 seconds in the 100-meter dash and an electrifying 20.62 in the 200. In May, he and four of his teammates lined up to compete in the UIL 6A State Track and Field Championships. With Hines as the relay anchor, he helped Dekaney win the state championship with a blazing time of 1:23:56, breaking their own school record.
But Hines’ journey isn’t just about raw talent. It is grounded in perseverance, faith, and an unrelenting drive to be the best.
“I thank God for everything,” Hines said, “Without Him, I wouldn’t be here today. God is with me through the good and the bad.”
For Hines, wearing the Dekaney colors has always meant more than just competition—it’s about representing a community that shaped him. A proud product of Spring ISD, Hines got his start at Ponderosa Elementary and later attended Wells Middle School, where early mentors helped ignite his passion for excellence. Now, as he prepares to take the next step in his athletic career, he carries that sense of pride with him every time he steps on the track and the football field.
“Growing up in Spring, it has made me love this community, and I want to put on for my city and give back,” Hines said. “I want to make my people and the district proud. I love Spring, and I wouldn’t be here without the great teachers and schools I have gone to.”
His faith is foundational, powering a work ethic that has turned heads from Texas to the west coast. For Hines, being fast is not enough; he strives to be the fastest. He shows up and shows out, again and again, driven by the quiet noise of those who doubted him.
And there were doubters. But Hines turned every slight into a stepping stone.
On the football field, the four-star wide receiver tore through defenses with 46 receptions, 786 yards, and six touchdowns in his final season with the Wildcats. At 6 feet tall and 175 pounds, he’s a dual-sport powerhouse—explosive, precise, and unstoppable in open space.
That deep connection to his hometown continues to fuel his ambitions. Lifting up future generations and inspiring those who will come behind him pushes him to go further.
On the field especially, there will be plenty of people who will be running behind Nu Nu.
This fall, Hines will suit up in the scarlet and gold of the USC Trojans. A new stage awaits, but his mindset remains the same—grind harder, pray everyday, and run like every stride is a statement. Follow this outstanding student-athlete on Instagram at @tanxxk0 and on X (formerly Twitter) at @tanxxk16.