Interview: Hard to Beat 3-Star 2021 All-State Oklahoma MLB Rejhan Tatum’s Motor
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season was the proving grounds for Class of 2021 linebacker Rejhan Tatum. The 6-2, 224-pound, middle linebacker went wild on 6A Oklahoma offenses with a ridiculous stat line of 135 stops, 77 solo, 16 tackles for a loss, four sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles with one taken back to the house for a score. The Del City High School standout earned second team All-State honors and three-star recruiting status for his work on the field. Off the field, Tatum is carrying a 3.5 GPA with six offers on the table with a heavy Big 12 flavor.
In an RNG first-look interview, Tatum sat down for an in-depth one-on-one covering ground on his skills and his recruiting process.
Interview
Rejhan, you were that guy in the middle cleaning up anything and everything in the box. What was popping for you so well on the field last season leading to the 130-plus tackle season?
“When I get on the field, I try to go crazy. It is all about winning for me, I don’t like losing. I try to do everything to get the team to win.”
Looks like you guys were running different defensive sets from a 3-4 to a 4-4 depending on the team. What fronts were you executing and what were your roles within the schemes?
“We were running a 4-2 in the first, then we switched it up depending on the offense. We did a variety of defensive fronts. It was on the linebackers to call out the formations, usually they would put me where the ball was going because they knew I was going to make the play.”
What was one area of your game that improved the most last season on the field?
“My strength. During my sophomore year I did not have that strength like I should have; they were not always going down, but last year they were going down.”
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game as an inside backer?
“My strengths were reading the linemen and the running back, knowing the formations, and coming off the edge.”
With time to work on your game this offseason, what is one thing you are focused on improving the most before your senior year?
“My speed. Last year I felt like I needed more speed to get to the ball faster. It is looking like I will play running back this year. I need to improve my speed so I can take off when I feel like it.”
Let’s continue with that; where all will you line up on the field in 2020?
“Linebacker, running back, and tight end. They might throw me at receiver too, I don’t know.”
Going into the weight room, what are your maxes?
“On bench my max is 340, squat is 510, and my deadlift is 530.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“A 4.62 at school.”
At this time, which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Memphis and Utah.”
How many offers do you have?
“Six.”
Tatum’s Offer Sheet: Baylor, Boise State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Tulsa
Have you had a chance to take any visits going back a few months?
“Last summer I went to Oklahoma State, later on during the season I went to Kansas.”
How did the game day visit to Kansas go?
“It went very well. I like their facilities and their coaches. At first, I went there for a game, but then I went back for another visit.”
Once the campuses open back up, are there any planned visits on the schedule?
“Unofficial visits to Boise State, Tulsa, Baylor and Texas.”
What have you been doing during this odd downtime to keep yourself entertained?
“Playing video games. When I’m not playing video games, I go to friend’s garage and workout.”
Rejhan, it was great getting time in with you today. Thank you, and good luck with the rest of your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Tatum family; Rejhan Tatum at Oklahoma State and Kansas