Taylor Tatum is the lone uncommitted operating again among the many high six within the 2024 class however his pledge is now solely days away.
The Longview, Texas standout after taking quite a few visits across the nation and seeing packages from coast-to-coast has narrowed his decisions to Oklahoma and USC.
Two high packages stay for the four-star operating again and on July 21, Tatum will decide both the Sooners or the Trojans.
Tatum has nice relationships with each faculties and there’s little question there are positives about every place however the third-best operating again within the class and the No. 48 recruit general can solely decide one.
In immediately’s Making the Case, specialists from across the Rivals community make an argument for a specific college after which Nationwide Recruiting Director Adam Gorney points his verdict as to the place he sees Tatum ending up.
OKLAHOMA
“Oklahoma has had all of the momentum in Tatum’s recruitment ever since internet hosting him on a June 16 official go to, and the chance to play SEC competitors in each soccer and baseball is a large draw for the four-star East Texas rusher. OU operating backs coach DeMarco Murray and head baseball coach Skip Johnson have each made robust impressions on each Tatum and his household. The Sooners have the benefit in proximity and status, and so they’ve been in a position to present the complete household a level of consolation within the match at Oklahoma. There’s little motive for fear within the OU camp as Tatum’s determination attracts close to.” – Parker Thune, OUInsider.com
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USC
“Tatum loves Lincoln Riley’s offense and the way he’d be utilized if he picked the Trojans. That’s what USC has at all times had working in its favor. If that was the one issue, I’d like USC’s possibilities. However that might not be sufficient. After we visited with Tatum a pair weeks in the past, he mentioned a very powerful consider his determination was selecting the varsity the place he felt most at house and wouldn’t really feel misplaced or homesick. He additionally mentioned that Norman, Oklahoma, reminds him very a lot of Longview, Texas. It’s exhausting to not join these dots. USC has continued to speak virtually every day with him since his go to and can preserve attempting to promote him on the soccer benefits. If the Trojans win this recruiting battle, it will likely be as a result of Riley’s offense was too enticing a chance to go on. However he’s additionally very shut with OU RBs coach DeMarco Murray, the Sooners’ baseball program most likely affords a slight edge relying on how a lot the two-sport star weighs that issue and it’s nearer and extra just like house. That’s quite a bit working within the different course.” – Ryan Younger, TrojanSports.com
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THE VERDICT
“If this query was requested of me within the spring and even into early June, I’d have mentioned that Tatum was virtually a near-lock to USC. He had taken visits out to California, cherished the setting and the vibe across the program and coach Lincoln Riley’s offense might be an ideal match for him.
“However in latest weeks my opinion has completely shifted to Oklahoma. One of many greatest causes is due to location as Tatum as Norman is an honest drive however 5 hours may be very doable and there might be some considerations that whereas he loves USC it would simply be too far for him. His relationship with DeMarco Murray is nice, enjoying within the SEC is nice and the placement is best. I’m selecting the Sooners.” – Adam Gorney, Rivals nationwide recruiting director
