Change brings new blueprint for Tatum

Daytona Beach, Fla. offensive lineman Marcus Tatum remains in the evaluation stage of his recruitment as he focuses in on three schools – Tennessee, Florida, and Miami.

What Tatum is evaluating has changed over the couse of the last month as it's become less about the coaches and more about the players.

“Academics, relationships with the team,” Tatum said of what's key. “How you fit in the locker room. The players you are around them 24/7. Coaches come and go. At first it was first based off coaches, but it's eye opening when you get on Twitter and you see coaches move around every day.”

Tatum has long had a good relationship with Vol offensive line coach Don Mahoney. Tatum said the two communicate almost daily. But it's a relationship with sophomore Jashon Robertson that has elevated the Vols stock with Tatum.

“I talk to Jashon often,” Tatum said. “We met on my official visit. He was my host. We have a lot of things in common. It was crazy. I really don't open up to a lot of people, but we talked a lot. He told me his whole story about coming in as a defensive lineman and getting moved.”

In addition to Roberston, Tatum has visited with Brett Kendrick as well as Vol commitment Ryan Johnson.

“Over the last month or so I have really grown closer to people at Tennessee,” Tatum offered.

That comfort level may have grown even a little more on Monday when Tennessee announced the hiring of Larry Scott, who was at Miami and had been recruiting Tatum.

It makes me feel even more comfortable with the coaching staff at Tennessee. It's a nice addition,” Tatum offered.

During the Vols preparations for the Outback Bowl, Tatum was in Tampa to watch the Vols practice as he wanted to check out how things were done on the practice field.

“It's Christmas break and I wanted to go see the OL practice and see how coach Mahoney coaches. It was good to see,” Tatum said.

Miami is a school Tatum has seen several times, but is also a team in transition

“I'm not sure who all is staying,” Tatum said. “Coach Richt let me know that nothing is confirmed yet. Coach (Art) Kehoe is what has stood out about them. He might or might not be there. That could weigh into my decision, I'm not sure. Coach Richt is a great coach we have been trading a lot texts.”

In addition to the Vols, the Gators and Miami, Tatum has also been talking to Alabama and said a visit January 29th to see the Tide was a possibility.