Taylor Tatum

Top-tier running back prospect in the 2024 class with classic running back build. Previously on the leaner end of the spectrum, but bulked gradually during high school career to enter college north of 200 pounds. Broad-shouldered and assembled well. Instinctive lane-finder. Generally plays with patience and 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. Urgent runner with non-stop feet. Constantly puts pressure on the defense with pace and activity. 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. Highly productive throughout three-year varsity career for storied Texas 5A program. Finished career as Longview High School's all-time touchdowns leader and eclipsed 4,000-yard rushing threshold. 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. Anchor leg of Longview's Texas 5A regional-qualifying sprint relay teams and owner of a 21.70 200-meter PR. Also has gradually improved combine testing athleticism over the past two years, resulting in strong numbers across the board (10, 40, shuttle, 3-cone, vertical, broad). Knows how to shrink target when anticipating contact, but runs upright at times. Shows some deceleration gear-down on occasion when redirecting. Runs with encouraging patience generally, but constant urgency and motor sometimes get him or the play too hurried. Valuable added mass will aid high-volume functionality and should help with trustworthy pass-pro effectiveness vs. P5 talent. Good pass catcher but ideally would have more live reps. More than 400 touches in final two high school seasons. Suffered hand injury that required surgery at the end of senior season. One of the nation's top backs in the 2024 cycle. Catalog of physical tools and play style should fit myriad offensive schemes. Projects to the high-major level as an impact starter with a long-term ceiling as a possible NFL Draft early-round candidate.

More Evaluations

• Evaluated 07/16/2023 Gabe Brooks 247Sports Scouting Analyst Read
• Evaluated 12/06/2022 Gabe Brooks 247Sports Scouting Analyst Read