When it comes to building a dominant offensive line, it’s not just about size and strength - it's about finding the right mentality. The Florida Gators have been active on that front, continuing to stack their trenches with a mix of college transfers and high-upside high school talent. Names like Harrison Moore (Georgia Tech), TJ Shanahan (Penn State), and Emeka Ugorji (Stanford) have already joined the fold, while promising high schoolers Desmond Green and G’Nivre Carr are part of the next wave.
Now, the Gators are turning their focus to a name that’s been on their radar for a while: Sean Tatum. The 6’5”, 315-pound junior out of John Carroll Catholic High School in Fort Pierce, Florida, is one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2027 class. Ranked No. 170 overall and the No. 8 offensive guard nationally by the 247Sports composite, Tatum is a player who checks all the boxes - size, power, agility, and, just as importantly, a relentless drive to protect his quarterback.
Florida’s pursuit of Tatum isn’t new. He was a priority target during the Billy Napier era, and that interest hasn’t faded under new head coach Jon Sumrall.
In fact, it’s only picked up. Sumrall and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein made the trip to Fort Pierce on Wednesday to visit Tatum in person, joined by John Carroll athletic director Mickey Groody and the school’s staff.
That visit wasn’t just a courtesy call - it was a clear signal that Tatum remains a top target for the Gators.
Tatum, for his part, is still very high on Florida. He confirmed that Gainesville remains “one of my top schools” and announced plans to visit again this weekend.
That’s a big deal. Recruits don’t make multiple visits unless there’s serious mutual interest, and Tatum’s continued engagement with the program speaks volumes.
On the field, Tatum is exactly what you want anchoring your interior line. He’s a mauler in the run game - quick off the snap, decisive in his reads, and capable of creating lanes that make life easy for his running backs. His work up front was a major reason teammate Jeremy Pittman found so much success last season, helping power the Rams into the postseason.
Tatum’s junior-year tape backs it all up. He’s not just big; he plays big.
He gets to the second level with ease, finishes blocks with authority, and shows the kind of footwork that projects well at the next level. For a high school junior, his technique is already polished, and his upside is enormous.
Naturally, a player like this isn’t flying under the radar. Tatum holds offers from a long list of major programs - Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and more. That’s the kind of list you expect for a top-150 national recruit, and it reflects just how coveted he is.
But Florida has positioned itself well in this race. They’ve maintained consistent communication, made in-person visits, and are giving Tatum every reason to envision himself in orange and blue. A weekend visit to Gainesville could go a long way in solidifying that bond.
If the Gators do land Tatum, they’re getting more than just a blue-chip lineman. Coaches and those around the program speak highly of his character - humble, team-first, and a leader in the locker room. He embodies what programs look for not just in a player, but in a person.
Recruiting battles like this one can shape the future of a program’s offensive identity. And if Florida can secure a commitment from Sean Tatum, they’ll be taking a major step toward building the kind of offensive line that can dominate in the SEC trenches for years to come.