Texas A&M has a knack for developing running back talent over the past two decades, so whenever a blue chip prospect at the position begins to ascend up the recruiting rankings, the Aggies are usually in the running.
Recently, 2024 four-star running back Taylor Tatum, a native of Longview, Texas, released his Top 7 program list, which included Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Texas, and of course, Texas A&M. According to 247Sports, Tatum is ranked as the 2nd running back and 10-ranked player in Texas. With nearly 40 offers, Tatum is a bonafide future superstar in the backfield.
Standing at 5-10 and 205 pounds, during his 2022 junior season at Longview High School, Tatum rushed for 1,891 yards and 33 touchdowns on 227 carries, which included 160 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air.
BREAKING: Elite 2024 RB Taylor Tatum is down to 7️⃣ Schools!
The 5’10 205 RB from Longview, TX is ranked as the No. 2 RB in the ‘24 Class
Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/395qCF01eA pic.twitter.com/uYEvTl4n1Q
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 24, 2023
In a scouting report from 247Sports National Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks, Tatum’s skillset is much more than what meets the yet:
Requisite height and frame with perhaps relatively leaner stature, but good build with space to add mass. Broad-shouldered and assembled well.
Instinctive lane-finder. Plays with patience. Presses blocks to allow for holes to materialize. Also knows how to buy a couple more strides of time on perimeter runs to help blockers re-route defenders.
Quick-footed in the hole. Regularly makes something out of nothing when penetration disrupts play in the backfield. Uses an effective hesitation to set up evasive measures in space.
Plenty functionally athletic to bounce runs, but plays with good discernment for a young back and keeps plays inside as needed. Flashes high-kneed, open-field speed to hit the big play. Run-finishing ability plays above listed size.
Outstanding production in junior season. Counting stats made huge jumps with higher volume, but per carry rate also remained high. Capable pass catcher who can flex to the slot and provide a true receiving threat.
Excellent athletic profile. Three-sporter who’s also a high-level baseball standout with hitting power and outfield range. Owns encouraging 200-meter track speed despite limited reps.
Knows how to shrink his target when anticipating contact, but runs upright at times. Shows some deceleration gear-down on occasion when redirecting. Will need to add some mass to maintain high-volume functionality and develop trustworthy pass-pro effectiveness vs. P5 talent.
Tatum’s last visit to College Station was on Sept. 17th of last year in the midst of the 2022 season, and with the Aggies making his Top 7, I’d expect another visit coming in the near future.
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