The Miami Hurricanes are in a heated recruiting battle with the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers for elite offensive lineman Sean Tatum. As summer approaches, crucial visits will play a pivotal role in determining Tatum's future.
The Hurricanes have built a reputation for dominating the trenches, with last season's offensive line being one of the nation's finest. They provided stellar protection for quarterback Carson Beck, showcasing a blend of size and athleticism that was hard to match. However, with four starters, including projected first-round right tackle Francis Mauigoa, heading to the NFL draft, head coach Mario Cristobal faces the challenge of reshaping the line.
Enter Sean Tatum, a four-star recruit ranked ninth among interior offensive linemen and 17th in Florida for the class of 2027, according to 247Sports Composite. Tatum, who hails from John Carroll High School in St. Lucie County, is attracting significant attention from top programs.
The Hurricanes, Gators, and Volunteers have emerged as the top contenders for Tatum's commitment. His summer schedule includes official visits to each:
- Hurricanes: May 29
- Gators: June 4
- Volunteers: June 12
Tatum's talent has already been recognized, earning him a spot on the Navy All-American Bowl roster for Team East. His recruitment journey has seen interest from heavyweights like Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, and Auburn, among others.
During an unofficial visit to Florida State, Tatum witnessed the Hurricanes' 28-22 victory over the Seminoles, where Beck's performance was flawless-no sacks, a 71.4% completion rate, 241 yards, and four touchdowns.
The allure of developing under Cristobal, a former offensive tackle, and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal could be significant in Tatum's decision-making process. At 6-3 and 317 pounds, Tatum fits perfectly into the Hurricanes' offensive philosophy.
The addition of five-star freshman offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell sets the stage for a new era of elite linemen at Miami. Securing Tatum would further solidify their future, as Cristobal aims to build a team that dominates at the line of scrimmage.
With these upcoming visits, the Hurricanes have a golden opportunity to sway Tatum's decision and secure a cornerstone for their offensive line for years to come.