Marcus Tatum Though he has visited quite a few times in the past, this trip was an entirely different experience.
"It was really good because I got to see the coaching aspect and how they are with players more than the recruiting aspect," explained Tatum. "I liked that."
While working on the field, Tatum had the opportunity to spend a good deal of one-on-one time with Florida offensive line coach Mike Summers. Tatum came away speaking highly of his experience with the Gators offensive line coach.
"It was good to see him in action. You didn't really see him go all out because there are some kids out there that aren't as advanced as others. He teaches technique and likes it polished. I asked a lot of questions, like about hand placement and bending the elbows and stuff like that."
Tatum and the Florida coaching staff have spoken so often that the the relationship has grown beyond the basic recruiting sales pitch.
"They tell me they want me to come play for them but they are past pitching me stuff. It's just building our relationship and getting to know each other better and just getting more comfortable."
For some time now the 6-foot-6, 254-pounder has had Auburn, Florida and Miami as top three. However, after picking up a multitude of offers this past spring Tatum is starting to expand his list.
"I really like South Carolina and I really like Tennessee because they are coming at me hard. Florida, Auburn and Miami of course are after me hard still, but South Carolina and Tennessee and N.C. State are pushing me hard too."
Tatum hopes to hammer out a new leader-board sometime this summer so that he can make his commitment before the start of school this fall.
"I will probably cut my list down and make an official top list of schools and then make a commitment right before my senior season. I just want to find a place I feel comfortable at and a place that has my degree. I want to study Kinesiology so I will need that at a school."
Going forward Tatum doesn't have any direct plans for other summer visits, but hopes to get to South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, N.C. State and Alabama sometime over the next couple of months."
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