USC and Oklahoma 'in the best position' to land nation's No. 1 running back
It's no secret that USC wants to add one more running back to join Bryan Jackson in its 2024 recruiting class.
After Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.) tailback Christian Clark cancelled his official visit to USC last weekend, the Trojans have zeroed in on Longview (Texas) running back Taylor Tatum, the nation's No. 1 tailback in 2024. Tatum is 5-foot-10 and weighs 205 pounds. 247Sports.com rates Tatum as the No. 42 prospect nationally.
Tatum will officially visit USC next weekend and according to 247Sports.com's Steve Wiltfong, the Trojans will have to fend off a couple schools if they hope to receive a commitment from the four-star prospect.
"USC, Oklahoma and Michigan are the three programs that are trending in this recruitment right now," Wiltfong said on his YouTube show on Thursday. "If I had to handicap it, I would probably put USC and Oklahoma in the best position to ultimately land him. He'll be visiting USC for a third time. He loves the offense and loves Coach McDonald's track record there."
Here's some of 247Sports.com's scouting report on Tatum.
Requisite height and frame with perhaps relatively leaner stature, but good build with space to add mass. Broad-shouldered and assembled well. Instinctive lane-finder. Plays with patience. 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. Quick-footed in the hole. 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. Outstanding production in junior season. Counting stats made huge jumps with higher volume, but per carry rate also remained high. 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.
