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His success caught the attention of major universities, but Tatum’s heart was set on Syracuse University for its proximity to his family. A chance encounter with Ohio State's legendary coach Woody Hayes, who persuaded Tatum's mother to support her son’s athletic ambitions, eventually led him to Ohio State instead. There, Tatum would show versatility, initially playing as a running back before establishing himself as a formidable defensive back.
During his time at Ohio State, Tatum garnered numerous accolades, including unanimous All-American honors and being named National Defensive Player of the Year. This outstanding collegiate performance led to his selection as the 19th overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 1971 NFL Draft.