Marcus Tatum up to 270 & ready to compete

[EZE]

Not true.. A lot of dominate HS OL start as freshman.

If we follow your "logic," then we should have 5 true freshmen starting on the offensive line every year? What about guys who did start as freshmen? You tell them they are washed up as sophs, put them on the bench and start a new freshman in front of them?

 

[Biopsyman]

If we follow your "logic," then we should have 5 true freshmen starting on the offensive line every year? What about guys who did start as freshmen? You tell them they are washed up as sophs, put them on the bench and start a new freshman in front of them?

Nobody said all 5...FR across the line

 

[Titan&Volfan4life]

I predict great things in the future for this smart, hard working young man.

Glad he's a VFL.

Game by game, WIN by WIN Team 120 is building a Champion...VFL...GBO!!!

 

[butchna]

If we follow your "logic," then we should have 5 true freshmen starting on the offensive line every year? What about guys who did start as freshmen? You tell them they are washed up as sophs, put them on the bench and start a new freshman in front of them?

You skipped ahead!

 

[EZE]

A program is in much better shape if it has such excellent upper class talent that freshmen only see the field on special teams and mop up duty, if at all. Rd shirts are even better. And if you have that occasional transcendent freshman talent, then he becomes the exception and not the rule.

Especially in the line positions on both sides of the ball, where strength is paramount to being successful. A year or two in a college weight room does wonders.

 

[ReadCT]

A program is in much better shape if it has such excellent upper class talent that freshmen only see the field on special teams and mop up duty, if at all. Rd shirts are even better. And if you have that occasional transcendent freshman talent, then he becomes the exception and not the rule.

Especially in the line positions on both sides of the ball, where strength is paramount to being successful. A year or two in a college weight room does wonders.

Agreed.

My brother played D1 Will LB for Tom Caughlin when he was head coach at Boston College in early 90's. His development went something like this:

-RS Freshman year
-Special Teams & mop up second year
-3 year starter So, Jr, & Sr years

The time in the weight room, at the training table, & in the film room transformed him in big ways. It allowed him to mature mentally & physically to be ready to contribute.

I wish for our Vols that 90% of recruits took a similar path. IMHO it demonstrates a mature program that is stocked with talent.

 

[edyeary]

I think they aren't too far off from that ideal.
Question: What year did the NCAA begin allowing freshmen to compete on the field?

 

[Pacer92]

Love this kids attitude and maturity. Will be a key piece down the road, but even being 270 lbs. at 6'6" is pretty lean. Will need a RS year more than likely...