Red River Rivalry for Tatum?
Oklahoma's in-state recruiting roll over the past few recruiting classes has been well documented and one player they are hoping to continue the momentum with is Oklahoma City Putnam City defensive end Ron Tatum. The 6-foot-5, 269-pound edge-rusher was dominant at both the NIKE Opening event as well as the Adidas 3StripeCamp.
His growth from last year's Rivals Camp in Kansas City was obvious but Tatum says he doesn't go in with plans to do anything other than take home MVP trophies.
"I’m trying to win MVP, that’s what I’m hoping for. I’m trying to go all out at every camp so I can get MVP," Tatum admitted. "I (don't focus on who I'm going against). I go against whoever is up there when I go."
That growth from the spring of 2016 to now has been eye-popping for Tatum but it's a role he has grown into.
"It was a lot when it first happened, you start getting used to it and learning how to deal with it," he said.
In the coming months Tatum says he expects to visit several of the schools that have already offered him.
"I haven’t taken any trips because of all of these camps but this summer I’m going to visit all the schools I can," he said. "Probably Georgia, Texas, OU for sure, TCU again, probably LSU."
Though Tatum is still looking a numerous programs he admits he is confident that two old rivals will be involved with his recruitment until he is ready to decide.
"Probably Texas, Oklahoma, those are for the sure schools (that will be there until the end)," he admitted. "On my Texas visit, (I liked) the people, the coaches had a great vibe with me, they were all great.
"With Oklahoma, (Calvin Thibodeaux) talks to me almost every other day, if not every day. We talk about his kids and stuff, my life, it’s not just football and stuff. He is a great guy."
The state of Oklahoma's current No. 6 prospect, and the nation's No. 21 strongside defensive end, says that while he has a good relationship with Thibodeaux a few other assistants have also begun to develop a bond.
"Coach (Oscar) Giles from Texas and coach (Zarnell) Fitch from TCU, I like both of them," he said.
Tatum admits he is considering a decision this summer but isn't sure if that will be the end of his recruitment. In fact he could take numerous official visits and isn't sure if Oklahoma will get one due to his considerable familiarity with the Sooners.
"I probably would take my official visits but I’m still going to commit before National Signing Day," Tatum explained. "(Actually), I'll probably (commit) at the start of the school year next year (and take my officials).
"Most likely (I'll consider taking an official to Oklahoma) but I'll probably see a school that I haven’t seen yet."
That familiarity was furthered by Tatum's recent trip to Norman for Oklahoma's Red-White game. A visit that Tatum said 'was great'.
But now that his camp circuit is over, Tatum says that he'll be focusing on visits and training for his senior season with the Pirates.