Taylor Tatum

In East Texas, they take football seriously. So, it speaks volumes when local observers mention Taylor Tatum in the same sentence as former Longview Lobos greats and even with other great running backs from the region like Adrian Peterson, David Overstreet, Edwin Simmons and others. “Longview always has a good running back, and I’m sure there’ll be other running backs coming in to take my spot,” Tatum told CBS 19. “But it’s just cool to be one of the greats, not just in Longview history but those greats that went on to be good in college and the NFL.” In 2022, Tatum rushed for 1,850 yards, 33 touchdowns and averaged 141 yards per game against some of the stiffest competition in the Lone Star State. He also had three receiving scores. “He can do a little bit of everything,” Longview coach John King said. “Not only does he run the ball, but he’ll block. He can catch it. He can play in the slot. He had 28 carries in the state quarterfinals, and we needed every one of them from him. He’s a good kid and comes from a great family. He plays football, baseball and track. He’s exceptional. He could get drafted in baseball as an outfielder.”