FRISCO, Texas — Oklahoma is not Tatum Bell Jr.'s home state.
He grew up in Colorado until his family moved to Texas four years ago. But when he visits Oklahoma State's football facility in Stillwater, he feels a connection.
“It's always great to go to OSU and be around those guys, coaches and staff,” Bell said. Oklahoman. “Hearing my dad’s stories and seeing what he did at his OSU gives me an idea of what I can do in the future.”
His father, of course, is Tatum Bell Sr., who starred for the Cowboys from 2000 to 2003, led the team in rushing for three of those seasons, and then rushed for nearly 2,800 yards in his five-year NFL career. did.
He remains a top-10 OSU player with 3,409 career yards at OSU. He claims he had 25 1,000-yard rushing seasons at the school, including two.
Tatum Jr. is currently in the final stages of his sophomore year at Frisco Heritage High School, where college recruiting has begun to pick up after a breakout season last fall in which the 5-foot-11, 180-pound receiver gained 767 yards. . He scored nine touchdowns on 45 catches.
Texas Tech was the first to make an offer in late December, followed by TCU, Houston and Colorado State in January.
Then, in mid-February, Oklahoma State University entered the fray.
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Tatum Jr. recently turned 16, so he's in no hurry to decide on a college. And his father is only coaching based on his past experience in high school, college and the NFL.
“All we are given in this life is a choice, so make the right choice,” Tatum Sr. said. “I'm just trying to teach him what I've learned along the way and teach him to be responsible. Your word is everything. So when we commit to someone, that's what we be where you are. Be firm in your decision.”
Tatum Sr. is a graduate of DeSoto High School, a Texas football powerhouse, and feels his family's return to Texas has been beneficial for his son's development. After Tatum Sr. finished his NFL career, which was spent primarily with the Broncos, his family lived in the Denver area.
However, they settled in Frisco before Tatum Jr. entered seventh grade.
“I would say Colorado is weaker than Texas,” Tatum Sr. said. “They don't have spring football. There's a lot of factors. Texas has a lot of athletes and dogs. I'm so happy we're back here and he gets to experience that too. From Texas. I think he can play anywhere if he comes out.”
Tatum Sr. relies on his father during the recruiting process and is happy to be able to take on that role alongside his son.
“It's coming full circle now,” he said. “I'm now in the same role and actively involved. It's been a lot of fun to see what we've been working on come to light.”
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Tatum Jr. is also a basketball player and sprinter on the track team, but he's also busy on the 7-on-7 circuit. I don't think there's any need to rush into making a college decision because I have a lot to keep myself busy.
“We have talked about wanting to start college early to get through the spring and get used to the rhythm of college,” Tatum Jr. said. “So I’ll probably commit next spring, around the end of my junior year.”
Tatum Jr. has shown agility as an inside receiver and speed and ball skills on the outside, even if he's not as quick as his father.
“I was faster,” Tatum Sr. said with a smile. “That's the only thing I have for him. He wiggles better than me. He has better hands than me. He's a better basketball player than me. On the track. Mine was better.
“But when it comes to soccer, he's way ahead of me at this age.”
