No. 1 RB Taylor Tatum signs with Oklahoma Sooners

Longview (Texas) four-star running back Taylor Tatum has signed with Oklahoma.

The 5-foot-10.5, 200-pounder is the No. 36 overall prospect and the top-ranked tailback in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Tatum committed to the Sooners on July 21, choosing Brent Venables and Co. over the USC Trojans.

“They’ve always been a top school in the back of my head because of my relationship with Coach Murray,” Tatum told On3. “Getting back for the official visit really set it off for me.”

“Being around Coach (Demarco) Murray and his family, hearing Coach Venables’ plans for the future, about getting to the SEC and how that’s gonna change the college football world,” he continued. “Knowing they have the same morals and same goals as me, that Coach Murray talks to my dad a lot, my mom a lot, and I’ve connected with Oklahoma in ways I haven’t with other schools.”

Tatum has an On3 NIL Valuation of $189K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Taylor Tatum Scouting Summary

“Downhill, one-cut back with burst and three-down ability. Has a good build for the position, checking in at over 5-foot-10 and over 200 pounds prior to his senior season. Registers as a strong athlete in the combine setting with his speed stacking up well among his fellow top backs. Area champion in the 200 meters as a junior, with a personal best of 21.70 seconds. Plays in an offense that is often under center, lining up in a deep backfield. Turned in a productive junior season against good competition in Texas, rushing for 1,840 yards, 33 touchdowns at 8.9 yards per carry. Shows a notable initial burst, exploding to the second level. Excels in running outside concepts. A natural long-strider with a light-footed, bouncy gait. Runs through contact at the second level.

…Lowers his shoulder on contact and keeps his legs moving. Has some subtle moves to sidestep defenders. A good receiver in both camp settings and in limited opportunities on Friday nights. Attacks the ball and makes grabs with his arms extended. Looks natural in running routes out of the backfield. At his best when he can get a runway due to his longer stride. Can improve lateral agility, but made some strides in that area as a junior. Also can continue shoring up his ball security. Younger for the class with a late April birthday.”