Dillon Tatum is taking his talents to Michigan State
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — West Bloomfield High School senior Dillon Tatum has big plans for the future. The 4-star recruit recently revealed his decision to play football for Michigan State next fall.
Tatum signed his national letter of intent last week to seal the deal. In addition, he completed his high school education and graduated from West Bloomfield this month.
He is widely regarded as one of the top pigskin prospects in Michigan. Tatum starred on offense and defense for the Lakers. He recorded 166 rushes for 1,187 yards along with 23 touchdowns as a senior. Plus, he totaled 61 tackles and seven interceptions at the safety position.
As a result, Tatum earned first team All-State honors at running back from the Associated Press. Even so, his lead role will soon switch to defense. The Spartans reportedly seek to deploy him in their defensive secondary.
Aside from his specialties, he saw action at cornerback, slot receiver and kick returner.
Tatum is a team leader. The fourth-year player served as a captain for the Lakers.
“I think our younger Lakers can learn from Dillon what it means to be a leader and where hard work can take you,” West Bloomfield assistant coach Brandon Smith said. “He is someone that leads by example with a tremendous work ethic.”
While Tatum is best known for his play on the gridiron, he shines at track and field as well. Fair to say it runs in the family. His older sister is on the Wayne State track team. What’s more, both of his parents competed at the college level.
Tatum shows impressive speed. He has been clocked at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He stars in the 200 and 400-meter races. His racing prowess even earned him a place in the AAU Junior Olympics.
The all-around athlete began to draw interest from recruiters as an underclassman. His profile only continued to grow from there. Dozens of leading NCAA Division I programs hotly pursued him. They include Georgia, Michigan, Cincinnati, Baylor and Ohio State, among others.
In his junior year, Tatum tallied over 500 rushing yards with four touchdowns. Across the line of scrimmage, he registered 38 tackles and three interceptions. Among his greatest achievements are a 2020 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 1 state title.
Lakers head coach Ronald Bellamy subsequently set out for Ann Arbor, as the Michigan alum accepted a job as an assistant coach with the Wolverines. Bellamy’s former defensive coordinator Tyrice Grice then took charge in early 2021. This turned into a key subplot as Tatum narrowed his final decision down to Michigan or Michigan State.
His loyalty lies with the Spartans. Tatum has been a faithful Michigan State supporter going back to his grade school days. The personal attention he received from Michigan State coaches clinched it.
Michigan State’s incoming class of recruits is loaded with talent. Tatum adds that and more. Coach Smith agreed.
“MSU is getting a young man that possesses high character and does what is best for the team,” Smith said. “He will be a great addition to the Spartans.”
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
