The Vols got their third offensive lineman of the 2016 class on Monday afternoon when Daytona Beach, Fla., offensive tackle Marcus Tatum (6-6, 260 pounds) chose Tennessee over Florida, Alabama, Miami, Ole Miss and others.
— Marcus Tatum (@AsapTatum) January 11, 2016
Tatum joins Ryan Johnson and Nathan Niehaus as the offensive linemen in the 17-man class for UT so far.
Here’s the full RTI profile for Tatum with more information:
Offensive Tackle – 2016 Class
6-6, 260 pounds
Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland)
Other top offers
Florida, Miami, Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss
Status: Tatum has long been interested in the Vols, visiting Knoxville multiple times, and made his decision for UT on the afternoon of Jan. 11 after considering Florida, Alabama and others.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★★
Rivals.com: ★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★
RTI average: 3.5-stars
How He Fits
Tatum is a tall, long, athletic offensive tackle who needs to add some weight to his frame, but has all the upside you could ask for in an SEC-caliber lineman. Finding true tackles has been a struggle for Tennessee in recent years. The Vols have often tried to fit guard-body types at offensive tackle instead of getting the more traditional 6-foot-5+, long-armed players at that spot that are built to neutralize speed-rushing defensive ends.
Tatum gives them at least their third offensive tackle who is 6-foot-6 or taller in this class – giving the Vols more flexibility at that spot. He’s certainly a redshirt candidate in 2016, and may need a little longer to put some weight on his frame, but UT is getting closer to the point where it has that luxury to be patient with young offensive linemen.
Video
